Highest Turnover on Dhaka Stock Market in Nine Months

The Dhaka stock market recorded its highest trading turnover in nine months on Wednesday (3 June). Total turnover at the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) reached 1,279 crore BDT as shares and mutual fund units changed hands. The last time the premier bourse experienced a higher volume of transaction was on 9 September of the previous year, when the daily turnover stood at 1,400 crore BDT.

Alongside the surge in trading volume, the market witnessed an increase in the number of advancing companies. By the close of the trading session, the benchmark index, DSEX, added 35.45 points to settle at 5,441 points. Financial analysts note that this dual rise in both index value and market participation highlights a significant shift in investor activity.

Historical Context and Recent Trading Trends

To understand the significance of Wednesday’s performance, a review of recent market trends is essential. Following news of the BNP forming the government after winning the general election, the Dhaka bourse experienced an exceptional three-day streak on 15, 16, and 17 February, with daily turnover consistently exceeding 1,200 crore BDT.

Following that post-election momentum, the market entered a quieter phase. The DSE turnover failed to reach the 1,000 crore BDT threshold for an extended period lasting until 22 April. Within that timeframe, a minor recovery was observed on 8 April, when transactions neared 992 crore BDT. Prior to the current week, the most recent instance of the turnover crossing the 1,000 crore BDT mark occurred on 12 May, with transactions valued at 1,101 crore BDT.

The market recently demonstrated a steady upward trajectory upon reopening after the Eid holidays:

• Monday: Trading resumed with a turnover exceeding 900 crore BDT.

• Tuesday: Momentum accelerated further, with the daily turnover rising to 1,080 crore BDT.

• Wednesday: The upward trend culminated in the nine-month high of 1,279 crore BDT.

Sector Performance and Stock Analysis

A total of 390 companies and mutual funds participated in Wednesday’s trading session. Out of these, the share prices of 243 companies advanced, 98 declined, and the remaining 49 maintained their previous prices. The sectors that contributed the most significantly to the overall turnover were engineering, textiles, and pharmaceuticals & chemicals.

In terms of closing prices, Desh Garments Limited emerged as the day’s top gainer, experiencing a 10 per cent increase in its share value. Due to the regulatory circuit breaker system, which imposes a strict ceiling on single-day price fluctuations, the stock could not appreciate any further. Its shares closed at 140 BDT, up from 128 BDT on the previous trading day. Other companies featured prominently on the top gainers’ list included Islamic Commercial Bank, Genex Infosys, and Information Services Limited. Conversely, the stocks that lost the most value during the session were Yakin Polymer, ICB Islamic Bank, and Daffodil Computers.

Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) Market Summary

The table below outlines the key metrics and indices from the trading session on Wednesday, 3 June: