Stocks close almost flat

Stocks finished almost flat on Monday with persistent volatility as investors were active both sides of trading fence throughout the trading session. Market insiders said some investors continued their profit taking mood while some took position on sector-specific stocks, closing the market in flat green zone. After witnessing volatility almost throughout the session, DSEX, the prime index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), finished at 4,691.14, advancing 0.21 point over the previous session. The two other indices also closed in green territory. The DS30 comprising blue chips advanced 2.17 points or 0.12 per cent to settle at 1,778.68.

The DSE Shariah Index (DSES) also gained 0.58 point or 0.05 per cent to close at 1,124.04. Turnover, the important indicator of the market, also advanced and the total turnover on the DSE stood at Tk 5.97 billion, which was 12.43 per cent higher than the previous day’s turnover of Tk 5.31 billion. The losers took a modest lead over the gainers as out of 325 issues traded, 161 closed lower, 113 closed higher and 51 remained unchanged on the DSE trading floor. MJL Bangladesh dominated the DSE turnover chart with shares worth over Tk 247 million changing hands, followed by BSRM Steels, Jamuna Oil, Bangladesh Shipping Corporation and Square Pharmaceuticals.

Standard Insurance was the day’s best performer, posting a 9.70 per cent, while Yeakin Polymer was the worst loser, slumping by 6.43 per cent.

The port city bourse, the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also finished marginally higher with its Selective Categories Index- CSCX –advancing 13.14 points to settle at 8,779.98 points. Losers beat gainers as 129 issues closed lower, 95 closed higher and 31 remained unchanged on the CSE. The port city bourse traded 11.31 million shares and mutual fund units’ worth over Tk 327 million in turnover.