In the second consecutive losing year for the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), only three sectors stayed afloat in 2025.
The benchmark DSEX fell by 6.7%, following a 16.5% drop in 2024, with no sector other than services and real estate, ceramics, and general insurance managing to avoid a decline in market capitalisation.
The services and real estate sector stood out, posting a 16.1% gain, showing resilience amid the broader market downturn.
The ceramics sector saw a 3.1% increase, defying the negative performance trend in many other industries.
The general insurance sector recorded a modest 4.3% rise, offering stability to investors amid market volatility.
The non-bank financial institutions (NBFI) sector was the worst performer, falling by 27.6% due to regulatory challenges and diminished investor confidence as some of the struggling NBFIs were heading towards forced liquidation.
The food and allied sector dropped by 23.5%, affected by rising production costs and supply chain disruptions.
The travel and leisure sector saw a decline of 16.5%, struggling with ongoing economic uncertainties.
The engineering sector posted an 8.4% drop, reflecting slower demand and reduced growth in infrastructure projects.
Other DSE sectors like cement, fuel and power, IT, telecommunication, and jute also faced losses, ranging from 10.1% to 18.3%.
