On August 13, 2026, the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) faced a second day of declining stocks due to intensified profit-taking and investor caution over possible changes to margin rules. The DSEX, the main index of the DSE, decreased by 13.4 points to close at 5,884 points, compared to 5,897 points the previous day. The market's volatility persisted throughout the session, with significant corrections in large-cap stocks in the final hour pushing the indices into negative territory.
Despite the overall downturn, there was continued buying interest in insurance and momentum-driven stocks, as opportunistic investors sought quick gains. Market turnover also declined, falling 13.8 percent to Tk 9.3 billion from Tk 10.7 billion in the previous session. Textile stocks led the turnover with 24.9 percent, followed by general insurance at 16.4 percent and pharmaceuticals at 10.3 percent.
Most sectors showed mixed returns. Services, textiles, and general insurance were among the few sectors that gained, with increases of 0.8 percent, 0.7 percent, and 0.5 percent respectively. Conversely, travel stocks declined by 1.4 percent, ceramics by 0.9 percent, and food by 0.9 percent, exerting downward pressure on the market. Of the 395 issues traded, 132 advanced, 182 declined, and 81 remained unchanged.
The Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also ended the day in negative territory. The Selective Categories' Index (CSCX) fell by 18.1 points, and the All Share Price Index (CASPI) dropped by 7.8 points. The ongoing profit-taking and investor caution have significant implications for Bangladesh's financial markets, reflecting broader concerns about economic stability and regulatory changes.
