DSEX hits 22-month high as average turnover surges 51% last week

The country's premier bourse, the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), extended its winning streak last week as the benchmark index hit a 22-month high, fueled by a massive surge in trading activity and renewed investor confidence. 

The DSEX, the broad index of the Dhaka bourse, gained 91 points or 1.6% to settle the week at 5,743, its highest level since late 2024.

Market participation saw a dramatic spike, with the daily average turnover jumping by 51% to reach Tk1,433 crore, compared to Tk949 crore in the previous week. On the final day of the fiscal year, turnover even crossed the Tk1,500-crore mark for the first time in two years, indicating a robust return of liquidity to the secondary market.

According to the weekly market review by EBL Securities, the benchmark index reverted to its gaining streak as sentiment remained buoyed by improving market outlook expectations and easing geopolitical concerns. A major catalyst for the rally was the approval of the Finance Bill 2026, which included supportive policy measures and preserved tax rebate opportunities for capital market investors, significantly enhancing the appeal of equities.

The week commenced on a firm footing, with the DSEX surpassing the crucial 5,700-mark after nearly 22 months. This momentum was sustained by broad-based accumulation in perceived undervalued scrips. Although the market faced a mild correction in the final session of the week due to profit-booking after six consecutive days of gains, analysts noted that participation remained resilient on both sides of the trading fence, EBL Securities added.

The blue-chip segment also mirrored the positive trend, with the DS30 index rising by 30 points to close at 2,162. Out of the 391 issues traded during the week, 272 advanced, 90 declined, and 29 remained unchanged.

Sector-wise participation showed that investors were most active in the textile sector, which accounted for 13.7% of the total turnover, followed by the banking sector at 12.2% and pharmaceuticals at 11.6%.

In terms of returns, the jute sector led the gainers with a 6.6% increase, followed by the information technology (4.7%) and ceramic (4.6%) sectors.

Individual stock performance was highlighted by Usmania Glass, which emerged as the top gainer with a 29.7% price surge. Other notable gainers included Shyampur Sugar (29.5%) and Zeal Bangla Sugar (24%). On the flip side, BD Thai Aluminium was the top loser, shedding 10%, followed by BD Thai Food and Associated Oxygen.