Bangladesh's capital market closed the week on a cautious note on Thursday, with both Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) recording marginal index gains while the majority of listed companies saw their share prices decline.

At the DSE, the benchmark DSEX index edged up by just one point, the blue-chip DS30 rose six points, while the Shariah-based DSES remained flat. This offered little comfort to investors as decliners significantly outnumbered gainers.

Of the total companies traded on the DSE, 201 saw price falls against 131 gains, while 62 remained unchanged.

Turnover also slipped with total transactions falling Tk 30 crore from the previous session to stand at Tk 806 crore, compared to Tk 836 crore the day before.

In the block market, shares worth Tk 26 crore changed hands across 38 companies, with Al-Arafah Islami Bank PLC topping the block board at Tk 3.80 crore.

Legacy Footwear Limited led the gainers' chart with a 6.25% price increase, while Premier Leasing and Finance Limited bore the steepest loss, shedding over 7% of its value.

The CSE mirrored a similar trend, the CASPI gained nearly five points yet failed to reflect broader market health.

Of the companies traded, 88 recorded price declines against 86 that advanced, while 34 remained unchanged.

Daffodil Computers PLC surged nearly 10% to top the gainers' list, whereas Apex Tannery Limited shed close to 10% to finish at the bottom.

Market analysts note that the divergence between index movements and broader price declines suggests selective buying in heavyweight stocks, with overall investor sentiment remaining subdued.