Stock trading with mobile apps surge 26% in 2024

Shares traded through mobile apps increased by 26% in 2024, according to the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE).  

DSE data showed shares traded via mobile apps amounted to Tk21,299 crore, accounting for 14.33% of the total turnover. 

In 2023, shares traded through mobile apps totalled Tk16,848 crore, representing 11.94% of the total turnover.  

Throughout the year, stocks remained volatile due to the national election, political uncertainties at the beginning of the year, and a regime change amid mass protests in mid-2024. 

Additionally, changes occurred in the top leadership at the stock market regulator. Stock market investors experienced significant erosion in their portfolios amid the volatility.  

DSEX, the broad index of the DSE, fell by 16.49% to 5,216 points in 2024. The year began with the DSEX at 6,246 points and closed at 5,216 points. 

Meanwhile, the DS30 index declined by 7.36%, and the DSE Shariah Index dropped by 14.31%, closing at 1,939 and 1,168 points, respectively.  

The country's stock market was open for 235 days in 2024, compared to 244 days in 2023. Over the year, total turnover amounted to Tk1,48,639 crore, 5.38% higher than the previous year, according to DSE data.  

Number of mobile app users declines by 7%  

The number of mobile app users declined by 7%, falling to 30,433 by the end of 2024, compared to 32,688 a year earlier, according to the DSE.  

Initially, when the app was launched in 2016, it was free of charge. However, the DSE later imposed fees for its users.  

In July 2023, the premier bourse decided to charge new users of the DSE Mobile – the real-time trading app of the DSE – Tk125 per month as a service charge, including VAT and tax. 

For existing users, the service charge became effective on 1 January 2024.