The stock markets in both Dhaka and Chattogram began trading on a positive note on Wednesday, but ultimately closed the day in decline, marking a downward trend in indices.
The Dhaka Stock Exchange's (DSE) benchmark index, DSEX, fell by 2 points. Similarly, the Shariah-based DSES and blue-chip DS30 indices also ended in the red.
Following a record-high turnover in the previous session, Wednesday's trading at the DSE was notably sluggish.
The daily turnover, which had exceeded Tk 500 crore, dropped to Tk 390 crore.
Stock market opens higher, continues upward momentum
Among the 399 companies traded, 143 saw an increase in share prices, 209 declined and 47 remained unchanged. In the A-category stocks, 71 companies gained value, 120 declined, and 30 remained unchanged.
In the B-category, 78 companies were traded, with 46 experiencing a drop in prices, 25 seeing an increase, and 7 remaining steady.
Despite the decline in A and B-category stocks, junk stocks from the Z-category saw gains. Out of 100 traded shares in this category, 47 rose in value, 43 fell, and 10 remained unchanged.
The mutual fund segment showed a predominantly positive trend, with 25 funds gaining value, 2 experiencing a decline, and 10 remaining unchanged.
Stock market records year’s highest turnover
In the block market, 19 companies traded 14 lakh shares worth Tk 5.50 crore. Beximco Pharmaceuticals led the segment with the highest transaction, selling 2 lakh shares worth Tk 15 crore.
The downturn also impacted small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) stocks. The DS SME Index (DSMEX) fell by 12 points, with 18 traded companies in this sector. Of these, 8 saw a decline, 6 gained value, and 4 remained unchanged.
Turnover in the SME sector more than halved in a day, dropping from Tk 8 crore in the previous session to Tk 4 crore on Wednesday.
Tasarifa Industries Limited emerged as the top gainer on the DSE with a 9.69% price increase, while Far East Finance and Investment Limited fell the most, declining by 5.88%.
The Chattogram Stock Exchange (CSE) experienced a more significant decline compared to Dhaka. The overall index at the CSE fell by 37 points.
Among the 209 traded companies, 111 saw a decrease in share prices, 63 recorded gains, and 35 remained unchanged.
Dhaka stock market opens higher, Chattogram sees decline
Unlike Dhaka, the turnover at the CSE increased, rising from Tk 4.40 crore in the previous session to Tk 7.50 crore.
Apollo Ispat Limited led the gainers at the CSE with a 10% price surge, while Hami Industries PLC recorded the steepest fall, losing 9.78% in value.