Stock markets see record turnover despite index fall

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Despite an initial rise in indices, Bangladesh’s stock markets ended Tuesday on a downward trend, with both the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and the Chattogram Stock Exchange (CSE) experiencing losses.

Despite the decline in indices, DSE recorded the highest turnover of the year.

On the third trading day of the week (Tuesday), the DSE’s benchmark index fell by eight points.

The Shariah-based DSES index dipped slightly, while the blue-chip DS30 index lost five points.

The SME sector also saw a downturn, with the DS SME index declining by three points. Among the 398 companies traded, 203 saw price declines, 136 registered gains, and 59 remained unchanged.

Category-Wise Performance

Across all categories—A, B, and Z—most companies recorded declining share prices. However, mutual fund shares saw gains, with 18 of the 36 funds increasing in value, while six declined and 12 remained unchanged.

In the block market, 67 lakh shares from 33 companies were traded, amounting to Tk 35 crore. Among these, Beach Hatchery dominated with the highest transaction, selling 8.7 lakh shares for Tk 9 crore.

Top Gainers and Losers

S Alam Cold Rolled Steels Ltd secured the top position among gainers, rising by 9.40 per cent. On the other hand, Hakkani Pulp & Paper Mills suffered a loss of over 5 per cent, making it the worst performer of the day.

Record-Breaking Turnover

DSE recorded its highest turnover of 2025, with transactions amounting to Tk 599 crore on Tuesday, a sharp increase from Tk 443 crore the previous day. Earlier, on February 11, the highest turnover of the year stood at Tk 519 crore, marking the second time this month that turnover has exceeded Tk 500 crore.

According to brokerage houses, the sharp increase in turnover was driven by investors offloading shares amid declining indices.

Dividend Announcements

Two companies announced dividends on Tuesday for the year 2024. Telecom operator Robi declared a 15 per cent dividend based on its earnings per share, while Summit Power announced a 10 per cent dividend for its investors. Following these announcements, DSE lifted the circuit breaker and opened the price limit for both companies.

Chattogram Market Declines

Similarly, the CSE ended the day with a 32-point decline in its overall index. Among the 211 companies traded, 90 saw price increases, 81 experienced declines, and 40 remained unchanged.

Despite the fall in the index, CSE’s turnover also surged, reaching Tk 5.99 crore compared to Tk 2.91 crore the previous day.

Square Knit Composite PLC led the gainers’ list in CSE with a 10 per cent price increase, while ICB Provident Mutual Fund suffered the steepest decline, losing over 9 per cent in value.

Although the indices declined, the increased turnover indicates a high level of market activity, reflecting investor reactions to shifting stock prices and corporate announcements. - UNB