Written by The Banking Post
Turnover at the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) crossed the Tk 10 billion mark on Tuesday, buoyed by heavy trading in pharmaceutical and chemical stocks. But despite the surge, the benchmark index and overall market capitalisation ended lower.
The DSE’s market cap fell by Tk 49.88 billion to Tk 7.11 trillion, reversing part of the four-day rally that had added Tk 77.05 billion.
Trading began on a positive note, with the DSEX reaching 5,434 by midday after slipping briefly in the morning. However, late selling pressure erased those gains, leaving the benchmark index 9 points down at 5,410, compared with 5,419 a day earlier.
Turnover stood at Tk 10.37 billion, up from Tk 9.76 billion the previous day, and above the Tk 10 billion mark for the first time since August 3.
Out of 400 issues traded, 164 advanced, 164 declined, and 72 remained unchanged.
Small-cap and speculative stocks led the day’s gainers, with Beach Hatchery, Information Services Network, Alif Industries, Munnu Fabrics, Hakkani Pulp and Paper, and Sonargaon Textiles among the top performers. By closing price, Meghna Cement, Beach Hatchery, and ISN topped the gainers’ list, while Exim Bank, CAPM BDBL Mutual Fund-1, and Prime Bank First ICB AMCL Mutual Fund suffered the sharpest losses.
By sector, pharmaceuticals and chemicals dominated turnover at Tk 2.07 billion, followed by textiles with Tk 1.37 billion and banks with Tk 1.04 billion.
