After three consecutive sessions of gains, the rallying capital market lost steam on Sunday as investors opted for profit booking, sending the key index into the red.
The benchmark DSEX index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) dropped by 50.2 points to close at 5,486, ending below the 5,500-mark after hitting a 10-month high in the previous session.
Although early trading saw active participation on both buying and selling sides, the market turned bearish in the second half as selling pressure in large-cap stocks intensified.
Market analysts noted that the sell-off was driven primarily by short-term investors cashing in recent gains, though overall sentiment remains moderately upbeat amid growing hopes of a turnaround in earnings and broader economic stability.
Turnover also declined by 19.8 per cent to Tk 910 crore, compared to Tk 1,140 crore in the previous session, reflecting investors’ cautious stance ahead of earnings disclosures.
Among the major sectors, bank stocks dominated turnover with a 25.6 per cent share, followed by pharmaceuticals at 14.1 per cent and fuel and power at 8.9 per cent.
However, the session saw broad-based corrections across the board. The textile sector lost 1.9 per cent, followed by banks down 1.8 per cent, and cement off by 1.3 per cent.
Of the 397 scrips traded on the DSE, 206 declined, 121 advanced and 70 remained unchanged.
The Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) mirrored the trend. Its Selective Categories Index (CSCX) dropped by 42.1 points, while the broader All Share Price Index (CASPI) shed 68.2 points, also reflecting profit-taking pressure.