The DSEX, Dhaka Stock Exchange’s key index, slipped below 5,900, plummeting by 70 points to a 34-month low of 5,898, reflecting subdued market sentiment on 18th March. Market turnover decreased by 5.4% to Tk 486 crore from the previous session’s Tk 510 crore. DS30 closed at 2,042.62, and DSES at 1,286.25 points. Market volatility persisted due to concerns over policy changes, Ramadan’s shortened trading hours and the enduring pessimism regarding the trading floor. Jittery investors continued selling holdings amidst a bearish trend, aggravated by the withdrawal of floor prices and rising interest rates.
Large-cap sectors witnessed negative performance, with NBFI experiencing a 2.76% loss. Golden Son Ltd topped trading with a Tk 20 crore turnover. Low-cap stocks dominated turnovers, with Asiatic Laboratories gaining 9.79% and Golden Son losing 9.05%.