Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN): Stocks closed higher for the second running session Thursday on the bourses—Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) with significant improvement in turnover as investor went for buying binge amid optimism.

The General Index of the DSE—DGEN rose 46.87 points or 1.07 per cent to close at 4,396.84 points.

The DSE Broad Index (DSEX) ended 4,304.97 points, after gaining 51.51 points or 1.21 per cent. The DSE-30 Index (DS30) also gained 16.70 points or 1.08 per cent to close at 1,551.97.

The turnover on the premier bourse — DSE crossed BDT 5.0 billion mark for the first time since October 15, 2012 and stood at BDT 5.52 billion which was also up by 14.52 per cent from previous session.

Of the 275 issues traded on the premier bourse, 229 advanced, 29 declined and 17 remained unchanged.

United Airways topped the turnover chart with shares worth BDT 455.86 million changing hands. RN Spinning, Summit Purbanchol Power and Unique Hotel and Resorts were the day’s next popular stocks.

Safko Spinning was the day’s highest gainer posting a rise of 9.71 per cent while First Prime Finance Mutual Fund was the worst loser, slumping by 4.40 per cent.

The Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also closed higher with the Selective Categories Index of the CSE gained 111.85 points to close at 8,575.59.

Gainers beat losers 158 to 27 with 17 issues remaining unchanged on the port city bourse with 15.49 million shares and mutual fund units were traded, generating BDT 579.22 million in turnover.

BBN/BB/AD/Feb14-13-4.10pm (BST).