Retail investors are in despair as DSE witnesses volatility. BBN file photo
Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN) – Turnover on Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) fell to a nine-month low on Monday as investors were reluctant to take fresh exposure in the market ahead of budget.
Turnover fell 5.78 percent to BDT 3.42 billion, compared to the previous session.
It was the lowest turnover nearly nine months since September 18, last year when turnover totaled was BDT 3.15 billion.
“The ongoing pessimism kept investors mostly inactive, bringing the turnover to nearly nine months low,” said an analyst at a leading brokerage firm.
The market started with a downward trend which continued till end of the session with no sign of reversal, finally closed more than 12 points lower.
DSEX, the prime index of the DSE, finished at 5,356.58 points, losing 12.15 points or 0.22 percent over the previous session.
The two other indices also closed lower. The DS30, comprising blue chips, fell 5.20 points or 0.26 per cent to close at 1989 points.
The DSE Shariah Index (DSES) lost 3.31 points or 0.26 per cent to settle at 1248 points.
Losers took a strong lead over the gainers, as prices of 178 securities declined, 94 advanced and 50 remained unchanged out of the 322 issues that were traded on the DSE floor.
Paramount Textile dominated the DSE turnover chart with about 4.22 million shares worth Tk 140 million changing hands, followed by Ratanpur Steel, Regent Textile, IFAD Autos and Square Pharmaceuticals.
SEML IBBL Shariah Fund was the day’s highest gainer, posting 6.38 per cent gain, while Paramount Insurance Compnay was the worst loser, shedding 6.25 per cent.
The port city bourse, the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE), also ended lower with its Selective Categories Index – CSCX – losing 38 points to settle at 10,049 points.
Losers beat gainers as 144 issues closed lower, 52 closed higher and 42 remained unchanged on the CSE.
The port city bourse traded 16.99 million shares and mutual fund units’ worth over Tk 508 million in turnover.
BBN/SS/AD
