Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN): Stocks ended higher for the third consecutive session Thursday on the bourses with turnover on the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) crossing  BDT 2.0 billion mark for the first time in 2013.

The DSE General Index (DGEN) ended at 4,167.69 points, adding 13.60 points or 0.32 per cent as market continued its previous day’s positivity by gaining slightly.

The Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also closed higher with the Selective Categories Index of the CSE ended at 8,085.77 after gaining 26.82 points.

The total turnover value at DSE continued to rise and stood at BDT 2.11 billion mark for the first time in 2013, also 30.24 per cent higher compared to previous trading session.

Of the 269 issues traded on the premier bourse, 190 advanced, 55 declined and 24 remained unchanged.

United Airways topped the turnover chart with shares worth BDT 132.18 million changing hands.

Purabi General Insurance continued to dominate the day’s top gainer chart for the second session, posting 9.87 per cent rise following the news of its approval of right offer while Northern Jute Manufacturing Company was the worst loser, plunging by 6.25 per cent.

Gainers beat losers 126 to 40 with 16 issues remaining unchanged on the port city bourse with BDT 262.17 million in turnover.

Earlier on Wednesday DGEN gained 12 points while CSCX was closed 34 points higher.

BBN/BB/AD/Jan24-13-4.05pm (BST).