Dhaka stock fall after Durga Puja holidays amid selling pressure

 
Stocks at the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) declined on Sunday as trading resumed after the Durga Puja holidays, with concerns over corporate earnings and dividend declarations, alongside rising global energy prices amid renewed escalation of conflicts in the Middle East, weighing on investor sentiment.

The benchmark DSEX, the broad index of the DSE, fell 18.1 points to settle at 5,433 points, down from 5,451 points in the previous trading session.

The market remained under selling pressure throughout the session as cautious investors largely stayed on the sidelines amid a lack of fresh positive catalysts to support a sustained recovery, according to BSS report. 

Trading activity also weakened, with turnover at the DSE declining 14.3 per cent to Taka 430 crore from Taka 500 crore in the previous session.

Sector-wise, banks accounted for the highest share of turnover at 23.1 per cent, followed by textiles at 15.4 per cent and pharmaceuticals at 12.0 per cent.

Most sectors posted negative returns. Jute stocks recorded the steepest decline of 3.7 per cent, followed by cement at 3.6 per cent and ceramics at 2.5 per cent.

In contrast, banking stocks gained 1.0 per cent, while services and telecommunications advanced marginally by 0.2 per cent and 0.1 per cent, respectively.

Meanwhile, the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also ended the session in negative territory. Its Selective Categories' Index (CSCX) fell 11.4 points, while the All Share Price Index (CASPI) declined 22.5 points.