DSEX gains last week as margin rule optimism offsets energy crisis jitters

The country's premier bourse managed to eke out a modest gain last week, supported by optimism over potential regulatory shifts, though persistent energy shortages and global geopolitical tensions kept investor participation in check.

The benchmark DSEX index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) climbed 23 points to settle at 5,884 by the week's close. However, cautious sentiment prevailed among participants, leading to a 15.6% drop in average daily turnover, which settled at Tk990 crore.

According to weekly reviews by Sheltech Brokerage and EBL Securities, the market pulse was primarily shaped by expectations surrounding more flexible margin financing regulations. While the week opened under selling pressure, a mid-week rally – driven by reports of imminent amendments to margin lending rules – briefly pushed the DSEX back above the 5,900-point threshold.

However, the momentum failed to sustain until the final session. Investors opted to lock in profits toward the end of the week, spooked by the ongoing industrial gas supply crisis and the lack of a formal notification regarding the proposed regulatory changes.

On the sectoral front, trading activity was concentrated in Textiles (22.1%), followed by General Insurance (18.3%) and Pharmaceuticals (8.5%). 

In terms of returns, the Jute, Services, and Textile sectors emerged as the top gainers. Conversely, the Mutual Fund, Life Insurance, and Telecommunications sectors faced the sharpest corrections as investors rebalanced their portfolios.