DSE turnover stays above Tk 6.5bn as three key sectors lead activity

Despite little change in the index, three sectors account for major trades, as turnover held steady

Turnover at the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) has remained stable above Tk 6.5 billion, with three key sectors, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and engineering, accounting for the bulk of trading activity.

After a week of consistent gains, the benchmark DSEX index saw little change, ending the day at 5,062.20 points on Tuesday, slightly up from the previous day’s 5,061.83.

Total turnover at the DSE stood at Tk 6.54 billion, compared with Tk 5.64 billion on Monday. Of this, the block market accounted for Tk 179 million, or 2.74 percent of total trade.

Block market turnover has risen to the Tk 130–200 million range over the past week, up from earlier lows during a long slump that began in April. Both turnover and index saw gradual recovery since the end of June, helped by a wave of market reforms.

Trading began with strong momentum, lifting the index by 22 points to 5,083 by noon. But selling pressure later in the day saw the index settle nearly flat by closing time.

According to DSE data, the pharmaceuticals and chemicals sector led the day’s turnover, contributing 12.14 percent or Tk 778 million. Textiles followed with Tk 729 million, while engineering placed third with Tk 649 million.

Out of 395 issues traded, 163 advanced, 156 declined, and 76 remained unchanged.

Based on closing prices, Apex Spinning, Monospool Bangladesh, and Apex Tannery topped the day’s gainers.

Express Insurance, SEML Lecture Equity Management Fund, and Union Capital posted the steepest losses by the end of the session.