Dhaka stocks advanced slightly on Monday in volatile trading as a section of investors chose to buy low-priced scrips after the recent market correction, market operators said.
DSEX, the key index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange, rose by 1.96 points, or 0.03 per cent, to close at 5,235.63 points on the day after losing 18.29 points in the previous trading session.
Due to an increase in investors鈥� activity, the total turnover on the bourse rose to Tk聽391.54 crore on Monday against Tk聽349.49 crore on Sunday.
Market operators said that the market on Monday went through sharp rises and falls through the whole trading session to end in the positive territory.
They said that increasing economic concerns, including the ongoing reduction in foreign exchange reserves in the country had left a negative impression on investors.
The foreign investment in the capital market of the country also halved in the past two years, according to Bangladesh Bank data.
In the past 15 weeks, the market moved forward in only three weeks.
Of the 392 issues traded on the day, 181 advanced, 157 declined and 54 remained unchanged.
The DSE Shariah index increased by 1.05 points, or 0.09 per cent, to close at 1,138.31 points on Monday
The DS30 index witnessed a decrease, by 10.05 points or 0.53 per cent, to finish at 1,856.99 points.
On the sectoral front, pharmaceutical issues exerted the highest turnover, followed by textile and engineering shares.
EBL Securities in its daily commentary said, 鈥楾he market observed see-saw trading throughout the session as investors were active on both sides of the trading fence, while buyers ended up on a slightly dominant side as a portion of investors sought to take positions in particular scrips that had undergone significant corrections.鈥�
鈥楬owever, cautious investors preferred to remain watchful due to prevailing worries regarding the market momentum surrounding the national budget declaration,鈥� it added.
Asiatic Laboratories topped the turnover chart on the day with its shares worth Tk聽19.08 crore changing hands.
Far East Knitting & Dyeing Industries, eGeneration, Golden Son, Beach Hatchery, Alif Industries, Sea Pearl Beach Resort & Spa, Orion Infusion, Central Pharmaceuticals, and Pragati Life Insurance聽were the other turnover leaders.