Record 12,451 new BO accounts amid ongoing economic challenges

Muhammad Ayub Ali :

Despite ongoing economic and political turmoil, along with a confidence crisis among investors and record-low transactions, around 12,451 new investors have entered the stock market over the past three and a half months under the interim government.

Data from the Central Depository Bangladesh Limited (CDBL) reveals that, during this period, 12,451 new investors joined the market, while 337 expatriate and foreign investors exited. As of 15 December 2024, the number of Beneficiary Owner (BO) accounts stood at 1,681,346, up from 1,668,895 at the start of the interim government’s tenure.

Although the total number of investors has increased, there has been a decline in the number of foreign and expatriate investors. CDBL data shows that the current number of BO accounts for foreign and expatriate investors stands at 46,744, down from 47,481 on the interim government’s first day, reflecting a decrease of 337 accounts.

Prior to the interim government’s formation, a significant number of investors had exited the stock market. At the beginning of the year, the number of BO accounts was 1,773,551, but this has now fallen to 1,681,346, marking a decline of 92,105 accounts in 2024.

Among the current investors, male investors hold 1,260,288 BO accounts, up from 1,248,434 at the time of the government’s fall. This represents an increase of 11,854 accounts. Meanwhile, female investors have seen a smaller increase, with their BO accounts rising to 403,592, up from 402,472, a gain of 1,120 accounts.

Additionally, the number of company BO accounts has risen by 414 in the past four months, reaching 17,466 from 17,152 at the time of the previous government’s exit.