Dhaka stocks ended almost unchanged on Wednesday after a volatile session, as bargain hunters returned following the recent market correction and the finalisation of amended margin rules, but cautious sentiment continued to limit the recovery.
The benchmark DSEX index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) fell 3.90 points, or 0.07 per cent, to settle at 5,770, compared with 5,774 in the previous session.
The market moved between gains and losses throughout the day as investors weighed renewed buying interest against concerns over the market’s short-term direction.
Buying activity remained stronger until mid-session, supported by investors looking for opportunities after recent declines. However, selling pressure in the final hour erased earlier gains and pushed the index slightly lower.
Trading activity weakened significantly, with turnover declining 26 per cent to Tk730 crore from Tk990 crore in the previous session. The drop marked the lowest turnover in nearly three months.
Textile stocks led market activity, accounting for 23.5 per cent of total turnover, followed by general insurance with 12.8 per cent and engineering with 10.3 per cent of the daily total at the premier bourse.
Market breadth remained negative. Of the 395 issues traded, 133 advanced, 191 declined and 71 remained unchanged, indicating that selling pressure remained broader despite selective buying.
Sector performance was mixed. Ceramic stocks gained the most, rising 1.2 per cent, followed by miscellaneous stocks with 0.9 per cent and services with 0.6 per cent gains.
On the losing side, cement declined 1.4 per cent, mutual funds fell 0.8 per cent and textiles dropped 0.6 per cent.
The market had been closely watching the impact of the amended margin rules issued by the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC), which eased some restrictions on margin financing while retaining controls on excessive leverage.
Analysts said the rule changes improved flexibility for investors but failed to immediately restore confidence, as concerns over market direction and risk appetite remained.
The Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also closed lower. Its selected index CSCX fell 7.6 points, while the CASPI index declined 19.3 points.
