United News of Bangladesh

Asian stock markets climbed in early trading on Friday, following a third consecutive day of gains on Wall Street, fueled by optimism that the Federal Reserve may move to cut interest rates. Japan's Nikkei 225 jumped 1.9% to reach 35,701.38, while South Korea's Kospi advanced 1% to 2,547.39. In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index rose 1.4% to 22,226.19. Meanwhile, China’s Shanghai Composite Index was mostly flat, hovering at 3,297.36. Investor sentiment was lifted by speculation that former President Donald Trump may be easing his stance on tariffs and taking a softer tone toward the Federal Reserve. However, Beijing pushed back on Thursday, stating that China is not currently engaged in active trade talks with the U.S. Elsewhere in the region, Taiwan’s Taiex saw a strong gain of 2.3%, while markets in Australia remained closed in observance of Anzac Day. Growth slows for South Asia, Bangladesh hit too: WB Wall Street’s rally kept rolling Thursday as better-than-expected profits for U.S. companies piled up in reports mainly from tech companies like ServiceNow and Texas Instruments, offsetting the uncertainties in the retail sector. Federal Reserve officials boosted expectations for interest rate cuts as they said that they would slash the rate as early as June if Trump’s tariffs hurt the U.S. economy and job market. The S&P 500 charged 2% higher to 5,484.77 and pulled within 11% of its record set earlier this year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.2% to 40,093.40, while the Nasdaq composite jumped 2.7% to 17,166.04. In other moves early Friday, U.S. benchmark crude oil gained 13 cents to $62.92 per barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Brent crude, the international standard, added 22 cents to $66.77 per barrel. The U.S dollar rose to 142.96 Japanese yen from 142.69 yen. The euro edged lower, to $1.1349 from $1.1391.    

Maintaining the ongoing downward trend, both the Dhaka and Chattogram stock exchanges began trading on Tuesday) with losses, as indices in both markets declined. At the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), the benchmark DSEX index fell by 20 points within the first two hours of trading. The other two indices — the Shariah-based DSES and the blue-chip DS30 — also dropped by 4 points each. During the first half of the trading session, the DSE recorded a turnover of Tk 180 crore, with the majority of listed companies experiencing a fall in share prices. Out of the traded securities, prices rose for 203 companies, declined for 133, while 58 remained unchanged. Downward spiral continues in stock market A similar scenario was observed at the Chattogram Stock Exchange (CSE), where the overall index dropped by 70 points shortly after trading began. Among the 163 companies that participated in trading at the CSE, share prices increased for 41 companies, declined for 104, and remained unchanged for 18. The total turnover during the first half of the session stood at over Tk 2.75 crore.  

After a nine-day break for Eid-ul-Fitr, the country’s stock markets have resumed regular trading, with mixed performance observed in the early hours of Sunday. On the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), the key index DSEX dropped by 28 points during the first two hours of trading. Among the other indices, the Shariah-based DSES index fell by 3 points, while the blue-chip DS30 index edged up by 5 points. Most listed companies on the DSE witnessed a decline in share prices. DSE, 2 other South Asian stock markets unite to drive regional growth Out of the 390 companies traded, prices fell for 267, rose for 97, and remained unchanged for 26. The total turnover on the DSE crossed Tk 200 crore in the first two hours of the trading session. Chattogram Bourse Sees Upward Movement While Dhaka’s market saw a fall in its key index, the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) recorded a rise in its overall index. During the initial two hours of trading, the CSE’s composite index increased by 45 points. However, similar to the DSE, the majority of participating companies saw a drop in their share prices. Of the 110 companies that traded on the CSE, 43 experienced price gains, 53 declined, and 14 remained unchanged. DSE, stakeholders vow to work with BSEC to restore investors’ confidence The total turnover at the CSE stood at over Tk 1.4 crore during the same period. Both bourses are expected to return to full swing as the post-Eid trading atmosphere settles in over the coming days.

After three consecutive sessions of gains, both the Dhaka and Chattogram stock markets witnessed a downturn, leading to a drop in indices and share prices for most companies. On Wednesday, the fourth trading session of the week, the Dhaka Stock Exchange's (DSE) benchmark index, DSEX, fell by 14 points. The other two indices, the Shariah-based DSES and the blue-chip DS30, dropped by 2 points and 4 points, respectively. Following the previous session’s highest turnover of the year, exceeding Tk 600 crore, daily transactions plunged to Tk 463 crore within a day. Sluggish trading continues in Dhaka Stock Market Out of 397 companies that participated in DSE trading, 127 saw their prices rise, 208 experienced declines, and 62 remained unchanged. Broad-Based Decline Across Categories Share prices fell across all categories—A, B, and Z—with the most significant impact seen in the A-category, which includes reputed companies. Among the 216 A-category stocks, 61 gained value, 126 declined, and 29 remained unchanged. Of the 36 mutual funds traded, the majority either gained or remained unchanged, while only 10 witnessed price declines. Meanwhile, all four corporate bonds saw price increases, along with one government security that was traded. In the block market, 27 companies traded 2.6 million shares worth Tk 11.9 crore. Beacon Pharmaceuticals recorded the highest transaction, selling shares worth Tk 3.15 crore. Bashundhara Paper Mills Limited topped the gainers’ list with a 9.88% price increase, while Midland Bank PLC suffered the steepest decline, losing 9.42%. Chattogram Stock Exchange Also Declines Similar to DSE, the Chattogram Stock Exchange (CSE) ended the day in decline. Both stock markets begin week on a positive note Despite a positive start in the morning, the overall CSE index fell by 1 point at the closing bell. Among the 212 traded companies, 78 saw price increases, 99 experienced declines, and 35 remained unchanged. Total turnover at CSE stood at Tk 10 crore. Like in Dhaka, Bashundhara Paper Mills Limited led the gainers' list with a 9.94% price rise. On ther hand, Vanguard AML Rupali Bank Balanced Fund recorded the highest loss at CSE, dropping by 10%.

The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) witnessed record-high trading activity on the third trading day (Tuesday) of the week. For the first time this year, transactions surpassed Tk 600 crore, marking the highest level in the past three and a half months. On Sunday, shares and units worth Tk 602 crore were traded on the DSE. The last time transactions exceeded this figure was on 6 November 2024, when the exchange recorded Tk 650 crore in trades. Alongside the surge in trading volume, all major DSE indices showed upward movement. The benchmark index, DSEX, climbed by 32 points, while the Shariah-based DSES increased by 6 points and the blue-chip index DS30 gained 3 points. Vibrant Stock Market: Over Tk 300 crore traded in two hours Out of 396 participating companies, the share prices of 196 rose, 156 declined and 44 remained unchanged. In the 'A' category, most companies saw an increase in their share prices. But in the 'B' category, 79 companies traded, with 30 witnessing price gains, 43 experiencing declines, and 6 remaining unchanged. Similarly, in the 'Z' category, out of 99 companies, 43 recorded price hikes, 42 faced losses and 14 remained stable. Among the 37 mutual funds traded, 13 saw price increases, 10 experienced declines and 14 remained unchanged. Stock market rises, turnover surpasses Tk 500 crore again In the block market, 91 lakh shares from 32 companies were sold for Tk 16.5 crore. Al-Arafah Islami Bank dominated this segment, selling 17 lakh shares for Tk 3.14 crore—the highest in this category. Bashundhara Paper Mills Limited topped the gainers' list with a 9.90% price increase, while Khulna Printing & Packaging Limited suffered the steepest decline, losing 8.16%. CSE Also Witnesses Uptrend Similar to the DSE, the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also experienced an upward trend, with its overall index rising by 135 points. Of the 236 companies traded, 129 saw price increases, 82 recorded losses, and 25 remained unchanged. The CSE recorded a total trading volume of Tk 13 crore, a decline from the previous day's Tk 31 crore. Aramit Cement Limited led the gainers on the CSE with a 10% price increase, while Khulna Printing & Packaging Limited also faced the sharpest decline here, dropping by 9.72%, similar to its performance in the DSE.  

On the second trading day of the week on Monday, the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) witnessed an upward trend, while the Chattogram Stock Exchange (CSE) experienced a decline. The benchmark index DSEX of the Dhaka Stock Exchange rose by 18 points at the beginning of trading. Among the other two indices, the Shariah-based DSES increased by 2 points, while the blue-chip index gained 5 points. BSEC chairman’s resignation demanded to stabilise stock market Most company shares saw a rise in prices. Out of the traded companies, 224 advanced, 95 declined, and 69 remained unchanged. In the first hour of trading, the total turnover at the DSE surpassed Tk 180 crore. Meanwhile, the overall index of the Chattogram Stock Exchange (CSE) dropped by 2 points. Won't hesitate to take decisions that can benefit nation: NBR chief Among the 84 traded companies at the CSE, 46 saw price gains, 27 declined, and 11 remained unchanged. The total turnover at the CSE exceeded Tk 1.80 crore within the first hour of trading.

The stock market began the week with a decline, as indices fell on both the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) on Sunday. At the DSE, the benchmark DSEX index and the Shariah-based DSES index both dropped by 2 points. But the DS30 index, which tracks blue-chip stocks, gained 2 points. Despite this, the majority of companies saw a decline in share prices. Weekly Review: Dhaka Stock Market sees gains despite sluggish stocks Out of 409 companies traded on the DSE, 138 recorded price increases, 196 saw declines and 75 remained unchanged. Sector-Wise Performance Across all categories, the majority of companies experienced a drop in share prices: A-category: 101 companies declined, 84 gained, and 45 remained unchanged. B-category: 38 companies saw a decrease, 30 increased, and 11 were unchanged. Z-category: 57 companies declined, 24 gained, and 19 remained unchanged out of 100 traded stocks. Among mutual funds, most remained unchanged. Of the 37 mutual funds traded, 22 saw no change, 9 declined, and 6 registered gains. Bangladesh to export locally produced LSD vaccine in future: Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Meanwhile, in government securities, 10 out of 11 declined, with only one recording a price increase. In the corporate bond segment, one out of four bonds increased in value, while two declined, and one remained stable. Block Market & Trading Volume The DSE block market recorded transactions of 16.70 crore across 27 companies, with 23 lakh shares exchanged. ACI Limited topped this segment, trading shares worth 4.19 crore, amounting to 2.69 lakh shares. Despite the drop in indices, trading volume increased at the DSE. The total turnover stood at 415 crore, up from 401 crore in the previous trading session. Top Gainers & Losers BDCOM Online Limited topped the gainers’ list, with its share price rising 9.92% in a single day. Meanwhile, New Line Clothing Limited saw the sharpest drop, also by 9.92%. CSE Performance The CSE also ended the day in decline, with the overall index falling by 24 points. Of the 190 companies traded, 73 gained, 93 declined, and 24 remained unchanged. Stock market records year’s highest turnover Total turnover at the CSE stood at 4.5 crore. Far East Finance & Investment Limited emerged as the top gainer, rising 10%, while National Feed Mill Limited saw the steepest fall, declining by 10%. Despite early optimism, both stock exchanges closed in the red, reflecting cautious sentiment among investors.  

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.

Despite a decline in indices in both the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE), trading demonstrated an improvement on Monday compared to the previous day. From the first hour of trading, indices at both stock exchanges began to fall. While investors feared a major slump, the DSEX, the DSE's benchmark index, eventually declined by just 2 points by the end of the session. The other two indices, DS30 and the Shariah-compliant DSES, remained largely unchanged. The CSE's broad index fell by 29 points, but trading volume increased by Tk 19.13 crore compared to the previous session. By the close of trading, shares and units worth Tk 32 crore were traded on the CSE. Business leaders call for extension of loan repayment period Among the day’s transactions, prices increased for 64 companies, decreased for 105 and remained unchanged for 20. On the DSE, 399 companies participated in trading. Of these, 140 saw price increases, 178 faced declines, and 81 remained unchanged. Among the listed companies: · A category: Prices rose for 79 companies, fell for 104, and remained unchanged for 37. · B category: Prices increased for 25 companies, decreased for 49, and stayed the same for 16. · Z category: Prices improved for 32 companies, declined for 25, and remained unchanged for 28. · Z category companies performed comparatively well despite the overall index decline. Mutual funds saw mixed results, with prices increasing for 6, decreasing for 16, and remaining stable for 15. Stock markets open with decline in Dhaka and Chattogram In the block market, 37 companies traded 41.96 lakh shares worth Tk 35.18 crore. Overall, the DSE recorded total transactions of Tk 344 crore, reflecting a Tk 26 crore increase compared to the previous day. Top Movers and Decliners Sharp Industries PLC led price gains on the DSE with a 9.8% increase in its share price. On the other hand, Express Insurance Limited experienced the steepest decline, with its share price falling by over 6%. Dividend Payouts Nine companies distributed dividends for the third quarter of the previous year. Among them, Sonali Paper and Board Mills Limited declared a 40% dividend per share. Over the past month, the company's share price ranged between Tk 595 at its peak and Tk 121.20 at its lowest. On Monday, its shares closed at Tk 132. Other notable dividend payouts included: · Crown Cement PLC: 21% · Unique Hotel and Resorts PLC: 16% · Argon Denims Limited: 10% · Apex Tannery Limited: 5% · Munnu Agro and General Machinery Limited: 3% · Evince Textile Limited: 2.50% · Rangpur Dairy and Food Products Limited: 2% · Legacy Footwear Limited: 1% The DSE also approved the renaming of Best Holdings Limited to Best Holding PLC.

Global stock markets were mixed Tuesday after a bond sell-off on Wall Street fueled anxiety about a possible U.S. economic slowdown and Australia raised interest rates. London, Shanghai and Hong Kong declined. Frankfurt opened higher and Tokyo gained. The yen, trading at two-decade lows, fell further to almost 133 to the dollar. Wall Street futures were lower after the benchmark S&P 500 index rose 0.3% on Monday and the market price of a 10-year Treasury bond fell. That increased its yield, or the difference between the day’s price and the payout at maturity. The difference between short- and long-term Treasury yields is narrowing, which is “making me a little nervous,” because it suggests investors think a U.S. recession is more likely, said Jeffrey Halley of Oanda in a report. “I don’t think the U.S. is at stagflation yet,” or a period with high inflation and low growth, “but if oil stays above $120.00 a barrel, it might soon be,” Halley said. Also Read: Asian stock markets higher after Wall St sinks further In early trading, the FTSE 100 in London lost 0.2% to 7,595.92 while Frankfurt’s DAX gained 1.3% to 14,653.82. The CAC in Paris added 1% to 6,548.78. Markets are swinging between gains and losses as investors weigh evidence about whether the Federal Reserve;’s interest rate hikes can cool inflation that is running at a four-decade high without tipping the U.S. economy into recession. On Wall Street, the S&P 500 future was off 0.6% and that for the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.5%. On Monday, the Dow edged up less than 0.1%. The Nasdaq composite gained 0.4% to 12,061.37. The yield on the 10-year Treasury, or the difference between the market price and the payout if held to maturity, jumped back above 3% to 3.04%, up from 2.95% late Friday. The Treasury yield is moving toward its levels from early and mid-May. Then, it reached its highest point since 2018 amid expectations for the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates aggressively. Bond buyers usually want a higher payout in exchange for tying up their money for longer periods. A flattening of the yield curve, or the long-term payout falling to match short-term bonds, is seen as an indicator of a possible recession because it shows investors expect economic conditions to be worse than they are now. In Asia, the Shanghai Composite Index lost less than 0.1% to 3,234.77 after Chinese authorities further eased anti-virus restrictions that shut down businesses in Shanghai and other major cities. The Nikkei 225 in Tokyo gained 0.1% to 27,943.95 while the Hang Seng in Hong Kong shed 0.8% to 21,481.75. Sydney’s S&P-ASX 200 sank 1.6% to 7,091.50 after the Australian central bank raised a key interest rate by 0.5 percentage points, its biggest margin in 22 years, to cool inflation that is at a two-decade high. The Kospi in Seoul tumbled 1.6% to 2,628.88 and India’s Sensex fell 1.2% to 54,992.34. New Zealand and Singapore declined while Jakarta advanced. In currency markets, the yen fell to 132.91 to the dollar from Monday’s 132.01. The yen has weakened because Japanese interest rates have stayed near record lows while U.S. and European rates rise. That helps Japanese exporters making their goods cheaper abroad but pushes up prices of imports for consumers and manufacturers.