The turnover on the Dhaka Stock Exchange hovered below Tk 1.0 billion-mark amid growing tension over Covid-19 pandemic and floor price limitation.
Turnover stood at Tk 700 million on the country's premier bourse on Sunday, after hitting a 13 years' low to Tk 430 million Thursday last.
Market analysts said lack of institutional buyers and the current floor price limitation is preventing many investors from buying and selling shares as desired price.
The floor price has had a negative impact as investors can't sell their shares even at a lower price and several stocks were not traded due to the lack of buyers.
The stock market regulator imposed the floor price on March 19 for all stocks on the basis average price of the last five days to stop the massive fall of the index amid the virus scare.
"Under the existing system the buyers have not enough scope to purchase securities at their desired prices," said a merchant banker.
He noted that investors fear further economic contraction and lower earnings of the listed companies due to the backdrop of the ongoing Covid-19 crisis.
"The investors are also eyeing the upcoming national budget before making any further investment decisions," commented EBL Securities, in its regular market analysis.
Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal is set to unveil the national budget for the fiscal year (FY) 2020-2021 on June 11 (Thursday).
Of the issues traded, 256 remained unchanged while only 18 issues advanced and 19 declined on the DSE trading floor.
However, stocks posted a modest gain on Sunday, snapping a four-day losing streak, as some investors showed their buying appetite on selective shares.
DSEX, the key index of the DSE, went up by 8.12 points or 0.20 per cent to close at 3,961, after losing 107 points in the past four straight sessions.
Two other indices also edged higher. The DS30 index, comprising blue chips, advanced 6.49 points to finish at 1,327 and the DSE Shariah Index gained 2.62 points to close at 918.
Among the major sectors, pharma posted the highest gain of 0.50 per cent, flowed by banking with 0.10 per cent and power 0.10 per cent.
On the other hand, telecommunication, financial institutions and ceramic sectors lost 0.10 per cent each.
A total number of 12,223 trades were executed in the day's trading session with a trading volume of 19.87 million shares and mutual fund units.
The market-cap of the DSE also advanced to Tk 3,102 billion, from Tk 3,099 billion in the previous session.
Pharmaceutical sector continued to lead the turnover chart, capturing 55 per cent of the day's total turnover on the premier bourse.
Square Pharma topped the turnover chart with shares worth Tk 97 million changing hands, followed by Grameenphone, Central Pharma, Beximco Pharma and Linde Bangladesh.
Central Pharma was the day's best performer, posting a gain of 9.91 per cent while Dulamia Cotton Mills was the worst loser, losing 4.56 per cent.
The Chittagong Stock Exchange also edged higher with its All Shares Price Index (CASPI)-gaining 23 points to close at 11,260 and the Selective Categories Index - CSCX -advancing 14 points to finish at 6,822.
Of the issues traded, 15 gained, 16 declined and 59 remained unchanged on the CSE.
The port city bourse traded 2.53 million shares and mutual fund units worth Tk 98 million in turnover.
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