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Stocks began the week on a muted note, as investors stayed on the sidelines awaiting policy direction from the newly elected government and possible regulatory changes.

After swinging between gains and losses during the session, late buying in a few large-cap stocks helped the benchmark index inch up slightly. The prime index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange settled at 5,468, up nearly 2 points, snapping a four-day slide that had wiped out 135 points.

The blue-chip DS30 index rose 6 points to 2,104, while the Shariah-based DSES index slipped marginally by 0.30 point to 1,094.

Watchful mood

Market participants said many investors preferred to book profits from the recent election-driven rally, while others selectively accumulated fundamentally strong stocks.

“Most investors are waiting to see what policy and regulatory changes the new government introduces,” said Md Sajedul Islam, managing director at Shyamol Equity Management.

Trading activity also reflected seasonal caution, as market momentum typically slows during Ramadan due to shorter trading hours. Added to that are global uncertainties, including concerns over the US tariff regime.

Institutional investors are also anticipating changes in the leadership of the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission following the political transition. Market experts say credible and competent leadership will be crucial to restore long-term investor confidence.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has hinted at broad reforms in the capital market, including amendments to laws and regulations to strengthen governance. He said initiatives would be taken to list fundamentally strong and profitable companies to enhance investment quality.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman also pledged in his party manifesto to appoint qualified and skilled individuals to the regulatory commission.

Selective movers

The day’s modest gain was largely driven by selective blue-chip stocks. BRAC Bank surged 4.5 per cent to Tk 86.6 per share, contributing more than 15 points to the main index. Olympic Industries, City Bank, Standard Bank and AB Bank also supported the market.

However, declines in Square Pharma, National Bank, Islami Bank, Asiatic Laboratories and Renata trimmed overall gains.

Turnover remained almost unchanged at Tk 5.68 billion, slightly higher than the previous session’s Tk 5.60 billion.

Banking stocks dominated trading, accounting for 18.2 per cent of total turnover, followed by pharmaceuticals (13.6 per cent) and food (12.7 per cent). Among major sectors, banking posted the highest gain of 0.9 per cent, while engineering, power and pharmaceuticals ended lower.

Losers outpaced gainers. Of the 388 issues traded, 194 declined, 123 advanced and 71 remained unchanged.

Olympic Industries topped the turnover chart with shares worth Tk 388 million changing hands, followed by BRAC Bank, City Bank, Robi Axiata and Khan Brothers PP Woven Bag Industries.

Meanwhile, the Chittagong Stock Exchange ended in the red. Its CASPI index fell 46 points to 15,302 and the CSCX index shed 16 points to 9,413.