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The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) extended its losing streak on Tuesday, with its benchmark index falling to a five-month low as concerns over labour unrest, protests and instability in industrial areas weighed on investor sentiment.

The DSEX, the benchmark index of the DSE, dropped 20 points from the previous session to close at 5,284. The index was last at a comparable level on May 23, when it stood at 5,328 points.

The DSE Shariah Index declined 7 points to 1,030, while the blue-chip DSE-30 index fell 20 points to 2,021.

Market participants attributed the continued downturn partly to the indirect impact of recent labour unrest, demonstrations and instability in industrial zones. The developments have fuelled uncertainty among investors, prompting many to increase share sales.

They said the stock market largely depends on investor confidence and expectations. Any disruption in a major economic sector can quickly spill over into the capital market.

Recent labour protests and incidents of vandalism have raised concerns over possible disruptions to industrial production and export activities, as well as higher business costs. These uncertainties have made investors more cautious, with some opting to sell their holdings and exit the market, adding to downward pressure on share prices.

Of the 386 companies and mutual funds that traded on the DSE on Tuesday, prices of 267 declined, 68 advanced and 51 remained unchanged. As a result, nearly 70% of the traded securities closed lower.

Despite the broad-based decline, turnover on the DSE increased. Shares and units worth Tk565.82 crore changed hands during the session, up Tk147.60 crore from Tk418.22 crore in the previous trading session.

Meanwhile, the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also ended lower. Its overall CASPI index fell 174 points to 14,214.

A total of 181 companies traded on the CSE, with 112 declining, 45 advancing and 24 remaining unchanged. Turnover on the exchange stood at Tk12.71 crore.

Textile Stocks Lead Turnover

Envoy Textiles Ltd topped the DSE turnover chart, with shares worth Tk32.11 crore changing hands.

Matin Spinning came second with turnover of Tk28.71 crore, followed by Paramount Textile PLC, with shares worth Tk15.86 crore traded.

Other companies in the top 10 turnover list included BRAC Bank, Shahjibazar Power, City Bank, Pubali Bank, Prime Finance First Mutual Fund, Malek Spinning Mills PLC and Saiham Textile Mills Ltd.

Mutual Fund Leads Losers

CAPM IBBL Islamic Mutual Fund topped the list of declining securities on the DSE, with its unit price falling 9.45% from the previous session.

A total of 2.18 million units of the fund were traded through 736 transactions, with a market value of Tk3 crore.

Saiham Textile ranked second, with its share price declining 8.81%. The company saw 2.09 million shares traded through 2,088 transactions, valued at Tk8.93 crore.

Reliance Insurance ranked third, with its share price falling 6.43%. A total of 462,079 shares changed hands through 1,692 transactions, with a market value of Tk4.03 crore.

Other major losers included Tung Hai Knitting, Bangladesh National Insurance, Bangladesh Steel Re-Rolling Mills, People’s Leasing, EXIM Bank First Mutual Fund, MBL First Mutual Fund and Agrani Insurance.

Their share prices declined by 6.25%, 6.23%, 6.60%, 5.56%, 5.45%, 5.43% and 5.23%, respectively.