Turnover soars 32% as DSE extends gains on investor optimism
Out of the 393 issues traded, 249 advanced, 80 declined, and 64 remained unchanged, reflecting an overall bullish sentiment across the board.
The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) witnessed a strong rebound on Thursday, as turnover surged by 32% and the benchmark index extended its rally on renewed investor confidence and fresh positioning ahead of the earnings season.
Turnover – a key indicator of market activity – rose to Tk468 crore, up from Tk355 crore in the previous session, marking the highest in recent weeks.
The DSEX, the prime index of the DSE, gained 55 points to close at 5,149, buoyed by increased participation across large-cap and mid-cap stocks. The blue-chip DS30 index also advanced by 23 points to settle at 1,998.
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Out of the 393 issues traded, 249 advanced, 80 declined, and 64 remained unchanged, reflecting an overall bullish sentiment across the board.
Market operators said investors appeared more confident after fears surrounding imminent regulatory changes – particularly the new margin loan rules – began to ease. The buying momentum was further driven by expectations of strong corporate earnings and dividend announcements ahead of the upcoming declaration season.
In its daily market review, EBL Securities said that the DSE's benchmark index experienced a notable resurgence as investors rushed to take early positions in fundamentally sound stocks.
"The easing of apprehensions over certain regulatory delays slightly improved overall market sentiment," the review stated.
It added that the market opened with a continuation of the previous session's bullish tone and, despite minor volatility in the first half, sustained buying pressure helped the index end the day on a firm note.
On the sectoral front, the pharmaceutical sector led the turnover chart, accounting for 17.2% of the day's total, followed by textiles with 10.8% and banking with 10.2%.
Major turnover leaders included Orion Infusion, Square Pharmaceuticals, Robi Axiata, Dominage Steel, and Simtex Industries.
Sectors mostly displayed positive returns, with jute stocks soaring 5.1%, paper gaining 4.3%, and textiles advancing 1.7%. However, the general insurance and ceramic sectors faced marginal corrections of 0.2% and 0.4%, respectively.
Among the top gainers of the day were FAS Finance, which surged 10%, followed by Hakkani Pulp (9.98%), Desh Garments (9.97%), Rahim Textile (9.96%), and Anwar Galvanising (9.93%).
On the other hand, the worst performers included Fareast Finance, down 9.09%, Pacific Denims (7.54%), Khan Brothers PP Woven Bag (3.89%), Saif Powertech (3.57%), and Summit Power (3.47%).
The Chattogram Stock Exchange (CSE) also ended higher, with the CSCX index climbing 80 points to 8,882 and the CASPI jumping 124 points to close at 14,413. Turnover on the port city bourse stood at Tk15.83 crore.
