Stocks Climb for Second Session, DSEX Near Four-Month High

Stocks extended their upward momentum for a second straight session on Wednesday, as renewed investor participation and sustained buying in banking shares pushed the benchmark index to a near four-month high.

The DSEX, the benchmark index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), gained 54.4 points, or 1%, to close at 5,245, up from 5,193 in the previous session.

From the opening bell, the market maintained a positive tone, driven by strong demand for large-cap stocks—particularly banks—amid growing optimism over a potential pickup in private-sector activity following upcoming electoral developments.

Improved sentiment encouraged broad-based buying across major sectors, allowing the index to hold its gains throughout the session and finish firmly in positive territory.

Market turnover also picked up, rising 9.6% to Tk 3.9 billion from Tk 3.5 billion in the previous trading day, reflecting increased trading activity.

Sector-wise, general insurance dominated turnover with an 18.2% share, followed by pharmaceuticals at 13.7% and textiles at 11.4%. Performance across sectors was mixed. General insurance advanced 2.1%, while life insurance rose 1.1%, marking the strongest gains of the day. In contrast, paper declined 0.7%, while mutual funds and textiles both fell 0.5%.

Out of 397 issues traded, 158 advanced, 154 declined, and 85 remained unchanged, indicating a balanced but positive market breadth.

The Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also closed higher, with the Selective Categories Index (CSCX) gaining 22.4 points and the All Share Price Index (CASPI) rising 28.6 points.