Briefing 2023-05-13

Stocks end almost flat amid volatility

Stocks returned to the green in the outgoing week after a single-week break but ended almost flat, as investors were active on both sides of the trading fence amid a lack of clear direction. The market witnessed volatility due to cautious investors' profit-booking tendency in recently rallied stocks, while optimistic investors showed buying interest in selective stocks that managed to break out from the floor after a long time. Page 9

Gaza fighting rages on as truce hopes fade

Israel and Gaza militants traded heavy fire Friday as hopes faded of securing a truce to end days of fighting that have killed dozens, all but one of them Palestinian. The violence has been met with international calls for de-escalation, with the European Union pushing Thursday for an "immediate comprehensive ceasefire". Page 14

PayPal in country soon: Palak

State minister for ICT Division Zunaid Ahmed Palak today said popular international online payment gateway system PayPal will be launched in the country very soon. "Prime Minister has taken the initiative in this regard as it is the ardent demand of the freelancers," he said while addressing as the chief guest at a inaugural function of smart employment fair organised at Bagerhat Zilla Parishad Auditorium this noon. Page 16