Stocks on the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) extended their upward trend, registering gains for the second straight trading session amid improving investor sentiment and selective stock performances. Market breadth turned firmly positive on the day, with a broad swathe of equities recording gains. The benchmark DSEX index closed higher, supported by notable performances from several mid-tier stocks. Leading the day’s gains was Indo-Bangla Pharmaceuticals, which surged around 10%, reflecting renewed interest in healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. Meanwhile, GSP Finance Company struggled, slipping approximately 7%, highlighting the selective nature of the rally. Market participation expanded, with 236 advancing issues, 92 declining, and 73 unchanged. Among A-category listed companies, 143 stocks advanced, while 43 declined, signaling broad-based strength within top-tier sectors. In the B-category, there were 47 stocks that increased in value and 22 that decreased, whereas there were no trades recorded in the N-category. Mutual funds and corporate bonds reflected mixed sentiment—20 mutual fund units gained and five declined, while bond issues recorded one gain and one decline. Government securities also saw balanced movement, with three advancing and three declining. Analysts pointed to a combination of modest profit-taking from recent dips in certain stocks and fresh inflows into beaten-down mid-caps as fuelling the uptick. Though total turnover remained moderate, the surge in the number of advancing stocks and improved breadth suggest cautious optimism returning among domestic retail and institutional investors. Despite global uncertainties and potential headwinds from policy shifts or economic data, the DSE’s recent resilience reflects market participants’ focus on valuation-driven buying and rotation into sectors seen as undervalued or defensive. Looking ahead, analysts recommend close monitoring of turnover trends and broader macroeconomic cues, including interest rates, inflows, and corporate earnings. If investor confidence holds and new catalysts emerge—such as IPO announcements or corporate earnings—the current nascent recovery could gain momentum. For now, the DSE’s two-day gain streak serves as a tentative rebound following earlier market softness. Whether this upswing can be sustained will depend on continued inflows, favorable sentiment, and clarity on policy direction.
