DSE sees Tk 12.47bn in turnover, highest in a year, as index slips

Market capitalisation stands at Tk 7.12 trillion at close, slightly lower than the previous day

Turnover at the Dhaka Stock Exchange has crossed Tk 12.47 billion, the highest in more than a year, even as the benchmark index lost ground at the end of trading.

On Tuesday, the index opened higher and touched 5,493 points by midday, but heavy sell-offs later dragged it down.

The DSEX closed 6 points lower at 5,448, compared with 5,455 the previous day. It was the first time the index neared 5,500 points since Aug 3, when it briefly crossed the mark.

Tuesday’s turnover was the highest since Aug 14, 2024, when transactions stood at Tk 12.43 billion. On Aug 11 last year, turnover stood at Tk 20.1 billion.

DSE data showed market capitalisation stood at Tk 7.12 trillion at close, slightly lower than the previous day.

Of 397 traded firms, prices rose for 137, fell for 215 and remained unchanged for 45.

Investor sentiment was also hit by Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur’s recent announcement that the interim government plans to shut down nine troubled non-bank financial institutions.

Although names have not been disclosed, several listed firms linked to the speculation saw share prices decline, including FAS Finance, Premier Leasing and Prime Finance.

Among gainers, Energypac Power Generation, National Polymer and Information Services Network topped the list.

City Bank led individual turnover with Tk 421 million in trades, followed by Malek Spinning at Tk 296 million, Bangladesh Shipping Corporation at Tk 270 million and Sonali Paper at Tk 266 million.

By sector, textiles led with Tk 1.82 billion, followed by pharmaceuticals and chemicals at Tk 1.81 billion and banks at Tk 1.18 billion.