Stocks slide on large-cap losses despite higher turnover

Share prices on Bangladesh’s main stock market fell on Thursday as losses in large-cap stocks and weakening investor confidence dragged most shares into negative territory.

The benchmark DSEX index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) slipped by 7.5 points to close at 4,959, down from 4,967 in the previous session. The decline came even as trading activity picked up, with total turnover rising by 2.7 per cent to Tk 3.8 billion, compared with Tk 3.7 billion a day earlier.

Market participants said sentiment remained cautious, prompting selling pressure across several sectors. Pharmaceutical stocks dominated trading, accounting for 15.5 per cent of total turnover. Textile shares followed with a 13.6 per cent share, while general insurance contributed 13.5 per cent.

Sector-wise performance was mixed. General insurance posted the steepest decline, falling 2.1 per cent, followed by ceramics, which dropped 1.6 per cent, and travel and leisure, down 1.1 per cent. In contrast, food and allied stocks rose 0.7 per cent, while tannery shares also gained 0.7 per cent. Telecom stocks recorded a modest increase of 0.6 per cent.

Overall market breadth remained weak. Out of 397 traded issues, 215 ended lower, 101 advanced and 81 closed unchanged.

In contrast to Dhaka, the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) ended the session in positive territory. The Selective Categories Index (CSCX) rose by 9.2 points, while the All Share Price Index (CASPI) gained 6.0 points, reflecting selective buying in the port city bourse.