Stocks opened higher on Tuesday as investor confidence strengthened on expectations that the proposed margin rules would be eased before receiving final approval.
The Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) recently published draft amendments to the Margin Rules aimed at making margin lending more flexible and investor-friendly, boosting investor confidence.
By 11:00 am, DSEX, the benchmark index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), had gained 48 points, or 0.82 per cent, to 5,906, supported by strong buying in large-cap and fundamentally strong stocks.
Market operators said investor sentiment remained upbeat following the securities regulator's clarification regarding the proposed amendments to the margin rules. Investors expect the final rules to be more flexible after the regulator incorporates feedback from stakeholders.
Trading activity also remained buoyant. Turnover on the premier bourse reached Tk 3.23 billion within the first hour of trading, reflecting sustained buying interest across major sectors.
Market breadth remained firmly positive, with 312 issues advancing, 25 declining and 52 remaining unchanged by 11:00 am, indicating broad-based gains across the market.
Low-cap stocks dominated the turnover chart, with Queen South Textile emerging as the most-traded stock by value after shares worth Tk 182 million changed hands by 11:00 am. It was followed by Dragon Sweater, Eminent Textile and National Polymer.
The Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also witnessed a positive trend. Its All Share Price Index (CASPI) rose 29 points to 15,767, while the CSE Selective Categories Index (CSCX) advanced 22 points to 9,637 after the first hour of trading.
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