Written by The Banking Post
Dhaka stocks opened lower on Sunday as concerns over Bangladesh’s prolonged energy crisis continued to weigh on investor sentiment.
The benchmark DSEX index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) fell 30 points, or 0.53 per cent, to 5,632 by 11:00am.
Market operators said persistent shortages of gas and electricity were disrupting industrial operations, with factory shutdowns and production interruptions raising concerns over corporate output and profitability. Greater reliance on costly alternative energy sources has added to the pressure.
Blue-chip stocks also came under selling pressure, with the DS30 index falling 10 points to 2,130. The Shariah-based DSES index declined six points to 1,131.
Trading remained subdued, with turnover reaching Tk 1.65 billion in the first hour, indicating limited investor participation.
Market breadth was sharply negative. A total of 249 issues declined, while 72 advanced and 60 remained unchanged.
Saiham Textile was the most-traded stock during the period, with shares worth Tk 135 million changing hands.
The Chittagong Stock Exchange also opened lower. Its All Share Price Index (CASPI) fell four points to 15,168, while the CSE Selective Categories Index (CSCX) declined four points to 9,260 by 11:00am.
