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Stocks ended on a negative note on Thursday, as investors were generally hesitant to make fresh investments due to the lack of a strong positive catalyst to restore confidence in the market.
DSEX, the prime index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), decreased by 8.60 points to settle at 5,133.92.
The market has been enduring bearish sentiment for some time, and the recent increase in value-added tax (VAT) on certain goods added to concerns, further dampening market momentum.
Additionally, the higher interest rates on national saving certificates affected investor sentiment toward equity market investments.
The blue-chip index DS30, comprising 30 leading companies, decreased by 4 points to 1,894.27, while the DSES Index, representing Shariah-compliant companies, decreased by 6.68 points to 1,150.64 by the close.
Turnover, a crucial indicator of the market, stood at Tk 3.64 billion, down 10.6 per cent from the previous trading day.
The majority of the stocks saw a price decrease, as out of the 399 issues traded, 141 closed higher, 196 ended lower, and 62 remained unchanged on the DSE trading floor.
Central Pharmaceuticals was the most-traded stock, with shares worth Tk 146.86 million changing hands, followed by Orion Infusion, Oimex Electrode, Fine Foods, and Khan Brothers PP Woven Bag Industries.
The Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also ended lower, with its All Share Price Index (CASPI) falling by 37.91 points to close at 14,352.
The Selective Categories Index (CSCX) decreased by 22.63 points, finishing at 8,728. The port city bourse traded 1.8 million shares and mutual fund units, with a turnover volume of Tk 47.21 million.