DSEX extends rally to fifth session

The benchmark index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) continued its upward momentum for the fifth consecutive session today (15 July), as investors remained optimistic about supportive policy shifts and a constructive near-term outlook for the capital market.

The broad DSEX index gained 15 points to settle at 5,926, up from 5,911 in the previous session. The blue-chip DS30 index also mirrored the gain, rising 15 points to close at 2,242.

The sustained rally over the past five sessions has added 156 points to the broad index, while the total market capitalisation of the premier bourse jumped by approximately Tk12,000 crore during the same period.

According to the daily market review by EBL Securities, the market opened on a firm footing, supported by broad-based accumulation in large-cap scrips. However, the gains were moderated by intermittent profit-taking across the board, which pared a portion of the early advances. Sustained buying interest toward the close eventually enabled the index to maintain its positive trajectory.

Despite the rise in the benchmark index, market participation saw a slight cooling. Total turnover on the DSE decreased by 8.2% to Tk1,516 crore, compared to the previous session.

The market breadth also turned negative, with 218 issues declining, 131 advancing, and 51 remaining unchanged out of the 396 securities traded.

On the sectoral front, the pharmaceutical sector dominated trading activity, accounting for 14.3% of the total turnover, followed by the banking sector at 12.2% and the textile sector at 11.1%.

In terms of returns, the cement sector emerged as the top performer with a 2.3% gain, followed by ceramics at 1.2% and mutual funds at 1.0%. 

Conversely, the jute sector faced the steepest correction, dropping 2.6%, while the services and tannery sectors declined by 1.6% and 1.2%, respectively.

Individual stock performance featured ACI Formulation, International Leasing, Peoples Leasing, Fareast Finance, and Aramit Cement as the top gainers of the day.

In a notable regulatory move, the Dhaka Stock Exchange suspended the trading of Renwick Jajneswar due to an "unusual" price hike. 

On the flip side, Pragati Life Insurance, Jute Spinners, and Appollo Ispat emerged as the worst-performing shares of the day.

BSRM Steel, BRAC Bank, Malek Spinning, and LafargeHolcim Cement Bangladesh remained the most-traded stocks by value.

The bullish sentiment was mirrored at the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE), where the Selective Categories' Index (CSCX) gained 65.5 points and the All Share Price Index (CASPI) rose by 91.3 points.