Briefing 2024-03-18

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FE Team | Published: March 17, 2024 23:02:34

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Investors need a reality check before joining SME stocks' rally
The SME market index soared 259 points, or 20 per cent, in the month to Thursday amid an influx of investors at a time when the main market has been enduring price erosion. During the time, the prime index eroded 426 points, plummeting to three-year low to 5,968 on Thursday against the backdrop of dwindling investor confidence. Investors have been shaky especially since the removal of the floor price from large-cap stocks amid rising interest rates. — Page 9
Moscow accuses Kyiv of election sabotage
Russia accused Ukraine on Saturday of using "terrorist activities" to try to disrupt its presidential election and former President Dmitry Medvedev decried as "traitors" the scattered protesters who have tried to set fire to voting booths and pour dye into ballot boxes. The Ukraine war has cast a shadow over voting in the election, which is all but certain to hand President Vladimir Putin six more years in the Kremlin. — Page 10
Tigers face Sri Lanka in ODI series decider today
Bangladesh vowed to come up with all guns blazing when they take on Sri Lanka in the series deciding third ODI at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram on Monday. The match starts at 10 AM. The series is locked at 1-1 after Sri Lanka won the second game by three wickets. Bangladesh secured a six-wicket in the first game, thanks to a superb century of skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto. — Page 15