Stocks extended their upward trend for a third consecutive session on Wednesday, driven by sustained buying interest in selective blue-chip stocks.
Increased participation in insurance shares also supported the market amid optimism over sector-specific developments.
The DSEX, the broad index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange, rose by 19.8 points to close at 4,967, compared to 4,947 in the previous session.
“The market opened higher and maintained a positive momentum throughout the session, although cautious selling pressure capped further gains as many investors remained on the sidelines in the absence of a strong catalyst,” EBL Securities said in its daily market commentary.
Turnover on the premier bourse declined by 4.3 per cent to nearly Tk370 crore.
Sector-wise, general insurance dominated turnover, accounting for 16.2 per cent, followed by pharmaceuticals with 15.4 per cent and food at 11.4 per cent of the day’s total turnover on the DSE.
The insurance sector also posted the highest gain of the day, advancing 2.0 per cent, while ceramics registered a rise of 1.7 per cent. On the downside, cement, textile and financial institutions each edged down by 0.1 per cent.
Out of 397 issues traded, 172 advanced, 128 declined and 97 remained unchanged.
Indices at the Chattogram Stock Exchange also closed higher, with the Selective Categories Index gaining 21.5 points, while the All Share Price Index advanced by 30.1 points.
