Record-breaking run continues amid regulator's warning

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The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) experienced bullish mood for the eighth straight week that ended Thursday.
The banks, the market's bellwether, dominated the week as the sector accounted for 41.60 per cent of the total turnover and its share prices gained 7.49 per cent to emerge as the week's the highest gaining sector ahead of their year-end closing.
The benchmark DSE General Index (DGEN) ended at a fresh high of 8,187.33 with a rise of 2.51per cent or 200.41 points.
The broader All Shares Price Index (DSI) was up by 2.28 per cent or 151.70 points to 6,792.74. The DSE-20 comprising blue chip rose 4.71 per cent or 219.73 points to finish at 4,881.45.
"Although there have been some talks about suspending margin lending, it did not have much of an effect on the trade volume as the turnover remained almost at the same level of the previous week," said BRAC-EPL, an investment in its weekly commentary.
On Tuesday, parliamentary standing committee on finance recommended the securities regulator to suspend margin loan facility.
Other major sectors also closed positive in the week. Grameenphone closed 4.06 per cent higher, snapping its several weeks of lose.
Pharmaceuticals also rose 1.06 per cent, general insurances 0.67 per cent and life insurances 3.60 per cent.
Non-banking financial institutions lost 0.96 per cent, fuel and power 1.16 per cent and cement 1.19 per cent.
Mutual funds returned to the negative terrain after previous week positive movement.
Turnover stood at Tk 24.62 billion, down by 2.63 per cent over the previous week. Out of 248 issues traded, 108 gained, 138 declined and two were not traded.
Beximco Ltd was the top turnover leader with shares worth Tk 5.02 billion changing hands.
It was followed by Peoples Leasing, AB Bank, Shahjalal Islami Bank, Southeast Bank, Pubali Bank, Titas Gas, Mercantile Bank, Premier Bank and NCC Bank.