Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)- Dhaka stocks gained sharply on Wednesday, pushing the benchmark index to cross 6,700 mark for the first time. The benchmark DSE General Index (DGEN) surged by 70.25 points or 1.05 percent to end the week at 6,743.21.
The stock market stayed positive in this shortened week with the total turnover being BDT 74.4 billion.
On the other hand, U. S. stock markets rose over the week on optimistic results from the retailers. All the major indexes rose sharply on Tuesday after strong earnings from Wal-Mart and Home Depot and a USD 39 billion takeover bid in the agriculture sector bolstered confidence in the corporate outlook.
Over the week, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) rose 36.71 points or 0.35 percent to 10,415.54. The Nasdaq Composite Index added 7.07 points or 0.32 percent over the same period, according to reports.
Japan's Nikkei 225 index initially declined on data showing a sharp set-back in Japan’s economy. However, Nikkei reversed its losses on news that industrial production in the U.S. jumped twice as much as forecast and as commodity prices climbed. \
The Nikkei 225 index ended the week at 9,362.68 points, adding 150.09 points or 1.62 percent over the previous week.
BBN/SI/AD-20Aug10-3:22 pm (BST)
