The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) ended the trading session nearly flat as investors showed caution amid ongoing speculation about possible revisions to the latest margin rules. The DSEX, the broad market index, gained a marginal 1.9 points to close at 5,858, slightly up from 5,856 in the previous session.
Trading on the DSE was marked by intraday volatility, with investors adopting a mixed stance. Selective buying in large-cap stocks balanced out selling pressure in other sectors. Many market participants chose to remain on the sidelines, awaiting clarity on the proposed margin regulations.
Insurance stocks faced pressure amid concerns that the sector might be excluded from margin loan eligibility. Renewed geopolitical tensions in the Middle East further dampened investor sentiment, leading to a cautious approach across the market.
Turnover on the DSE declined by 9.7 percent to TK 9.7 billion from TK 10.7 billion in the previous trading session. The textile sector accounted for the largest share of turnover at 18.8 percent, followed by pharmaceuticals (15.8 percent) and general insurance (10.6 percent).
Sectoral performance was mixed. Services advanced by 2.3 percent, mutual funds gained 1.8 percent, and textiles rose 0.9 percent. On the downside, general insurance fell 2.8 percent, jute declined 1.5 percent, and ceramics lost 1.4 percent. Out of 396 traded issues, 147 advanced, 179 declined, and 70 remained unchanged.
Meanwhile, the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) ended lower, with the CSCX index losing 23.7 points and the CASPI index shedding 10.3 points.
