Written by The Banking Post
Stocks remained volatile in early trading on Monday after the sharp decline in the previous session, with persistent energy shortages continuing to weigh on investor confidence.
The DSEX, the benchmark index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), gained just 2 points, or 0.03 per cent, to 5,420 by 11:00am.
The market’s weak performance came as prolonged gas and electricity shortages raised concerns over factory operations, industrial output and corporate profitability. Investors also remained cautious, while institutional buyers largely stayed on the sidelines amid limited buying interest.
The DS30 index of blue-chip stocks edged up 0.30 point to 2,072, while the DSES index of Shariah-compliant stocks fell 1 point to 1,084.
Market breadth remained negative, with 176 issues declining against 134 advancing and 75 remaining unchanged.
Trading activity was also subdued, with turnover reaching only Tk 1.17 billion in the first hour. Sharp Industries was the most-traded stock, with shares worth Tk 80 million changing hands.
The Chittagong Stock Exchange also opened on a mixed note. Its All Share Price Index (CASPI) rose 2 points to 14,717, while the CSE Selective Categories Index (CSCX) gained 0.30 point to 8,996.
