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Blue-chip buying lifts stocks for second day

Investors snap up oversold shares as confidence improves, turnover jumps

Written by The Banking Post


Stocks extended their gaining streak for a second straight session on Monday as investors moved into oversold blue-chip shares, helping the market maintain positive momentum.

The benchmark DSEX of the Dhaka Stock Exchange opened on a firm note, dipped briefly in early trading, and then followed a steady upward trend to close at 5,091 points—up 56 points or 1.12 per cent. The index had crossed the 5,000-point mark a day earlier after nearly two months, signalling a shift in market sentiment.

Market participants said investor confidence appears to be gradually returning as uncertainty surrounding the national election has largely eased. Many investors are repositioning in fundamentally strong stocks that are trading at attractive price levels.

Market breadth remained strong. Of the 394 issues traded, 268 advanced, 72 declined and 54 remained unchanged. Turnover at the premier bourse rose 25 per cent from the previous session to Tk 5.93 billion, with block trades contributing Tk 328 million.

Blue-chip stocks played a leading role in the rally. Shares of Square Pharmaceuticals and Grameenphone attracted strong buying interest, driving overall market activity. Square Pharmaceuticals topped the turnover chart with trades worth Tk 195 million, followed by Prime Bank, City Bank and BRAC Bank.

Among the 30 blue-chip stocks, 25 closed higher, three declined and two remained unchanged. As a result, the DS30 index climbed 25.79 points, or 1.33 per cent, to settle at 1,964 points.

Speculative stocks also posted sharp gains, with Khan Brothers PP Woven Bag Industries leading the gainers’ list after rising 9.91 per cent to Tk 48.80 per share. In contrast, Prime Finance & Investment emerged as the top loser, falling 7.41 per cent to Tk 1 per share.

The Chittagong Stock Exchange mirrored the upbeat trend. Its broad index rose 111 points, or 0.79 per cent, to close at 14,198 points. Of the 180 issues traded, 118 advanced, 36 declined and 26 remained unchanged, while turnover stood at Tk 123.39 million.


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