The benchmark index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) declined by 148 points over the week as persistent selling pressure dominated four out of five trading sessions, eroding market capitalisation.

According to the DSE’s weekly market pulse, most indices closed lower during the week. The broad index DSEX fell 148 points, while the Shariah-based DSES index dropped 19 points. The blue-chip DS30 index also lost 85 points.

However, the SME index advanced by 134 points, reflecting gains in small and medium-sized companies.

Market breadth remained negative, with prices falling for 206 issues, while 172 advanced and 12 remained unchanged.

Despite the downturn, average daily turnover increased due to heightened selling activity. The DSE recorded an average turnover of Tk 668 crore during the week, up from Tk 531 crore in the previous week, marking a 25.78% rise.

Continuous sell-offs led to a nearly 3% decline in market capitalisation over the five trading days.

Sector-wise, prices rose in 14 sectors while declined in seven sectors.

The banking sector saw a sharp drop of about 38%. Financial institutions declined by 26%, cement by nearly 6%, food and allied by 11%, telecom by 49%, and travel by 7%.

On the gaining side, mutual funds posted the highest increase, surging 271%. Engineering rose 145%, paper and printing 157%, and tannery 165%.

In terms of turnover, ACME Pesticides Limited topped the chart, followed by Orion Infusion, Summit Alliance Port Limited, Khan Brothers PP Woven Bag Industries Limited, and Brac Bank.

In block trading, Al-Arafah Islami Bank PLC led the board with shares worth Tk 18 crore changing hands during the week.

IFIC Bank First Mutual Fund emerged as the top performer, delivering a 52% return. In contrast, Far East Finance and Investment Limited was the worst performer, with its return plunging by over 30%.