DSE turnover hits seven-week low--

Turnover on Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) dropped below Tk 6.0 billion-mark Thursday, hitting a seven-week low, as investors were reluctant to put fresh funds in stocks amid persistent macroeconomic worries.
Turnover, the crucial indicator of the market, fell 17 per cent to Tk 5.80 billion, compared to the previous day's tally of Tk 7.02 billion.
It was also the lowest single-day transaction in seven weeks since May 26, when turnover was recorded at Tk 5.39 billion.
The market tumbled in the beginning but late hour buying across the bourse helped the prime index of the DSE end in a flat position.

The DSEX -the core index of the DSE-losing 0.30 point to settle at 6,324. The benchmark market barometer lost about 43 points in the past three straight sessions.
Operators said the market outlook remained bleak as investors are concerned on several macroeconomic issues like shrinking foreign currency reserves, depreciating local currency, widening current account deficit and high inflationary pressures.
The last trading day of the week recorded one and a half months low turnover showcasing investors' pessimism on the market, said a merchant banker.
"The ongoing bearish sentiment coupled with inflationary pressure and volatile foreign exchange rates created a confidence crisis among the investors," he said.
Besides, the news on foreign-exchange reserves fell below $40 billion level, the lowest in two years, kept them more cautious, he said.
"Most investors followed a cautious stance amid macroeconomic worries," said International Leasing Securities.
The exchange rate reached its new high at Tk 94.35 per US$ and the foreign reserves slipped below $40 billion for the first time in two years.
The investors remained shaky and reluctant to make fresh investments in the stocks and most of the investors are yet to return to Dhaka after celebrating the Eid festival, said the stockbroker.
"The investors were cautious due to the prolonged pessimism, as their concerns spiraled by the news that foreign currency reserves dropped below US$ 40 billion after two years," said EBL Securities, in its regular market analysis.
The DSES Index also shed 0.36 points to finish at 1,377. However, the DS30 Index saw a fractional gain of 0.88 points to close at 2,273.
Major sectors showed mixed performances. The general insurance sector lost 0.80 per cent, followed by textile with 0.60 per cent, telecom 0.30 per cent, financial institutions 0.20 per cent and pharma 0.10 per cent.
On the other hand, power, cement and food sectors gained 0.90 per cent, 0.50 per cent and 0.10 per cent respectively.
Losers took a modest lead over the gainers as out of 382 issues traded, 198 declined, 129 advanced and 55 remained unchanged on the DSE trading floor.
The state-run Titas Gas Transmission & Distribution Company was the most-traded stock with shares worth Tk 472 million changing hands, followed by Beximco (306 million), KDS Accessories (Tk 140 million), IPDC Finance (Tk 137 million) and JMI Hospital Requisite Manufacturing (Tk 101 million).
The junk stock Meghna Condensed Milk Industries was the top gainer for the second straight day, posting 9.97 per cent gain while NRB Commercial Bank was the day's worst loser, losing 35.36 per cent following its price adjustment after record date.
The Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also closed lower with the CSE All Share Price Index - CASPI -losing nearly 20 points to settle at 18,595 and the Selective Categories Index - CSCX -shedding almost 12 points to close at 11,143.
Of the issues traded, 173 declined, 71 advanced and 38 issues remained unchanged on the CSE.
The port city's bourse traded 5.55 million shares and mutual fund units with turnover value worth Tk 194.50 million.
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