DSE, CSE struggle as trading slows

Business Report :

Bangladesh’s stock market continued its downtrend on Thursday, with both the Dhaka and Chattogram bourses closing lower. Investors remained cautious as major indices posted losses amid falling share prices across most sectors.

At the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), the key DSEX index dropped 18 points, while the Shariah-based DSES lost 5 points. The blue-chip DS30 index remained unchanged. Among traded shares, 251 companies saw prices fall, 102 advanced, and 37 remained flat.

Shares in all categories-A, B, and Z mostly declined. In the A-category, which includes companies offering the highest dividends, prices of 127 firms fell, 63 rose, and 24 remained unchanged. Turnover also slipped to Tk 419 crore, down from Tk 485 crore in the previous session.

In the block market, shares worth Tk 13 crore of 23 companies changed hands, with Khan Brothers PP Woven Bag Industries Limited leading at Tk 4 crore. Simtex Industries PLC topped the gainers’ list with an 8percent rise, while FAS Finance & Investment Limited plunged more than 10percent, the day’s biggest loser.

The Chattogram Stock Exchange (CSE) mirrored the downtrend, with the CASPI index losing 70 points. Among traded issues, 97 declined, 49 advanced, and 13 remained unchanged. Daily turnover dropped to Tk 13 crore, down from Tk 24 crore in the previous session. Central Pharmaceuticals Limited surged over 9percent to top the gainers, while Active Fine Chemicals Ltd fell 10percent, the day’s worst performer.
Analysts said market sentiment remains weak due to ongoing economic uncertainty, cautious investor behaviour, and low trading volumes.