The benchmark index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSEX) closed lower in this holiday-shortened week, as investor sentiment weakened amid mounting concerns over potential energy shortages and rising inflation linked to the escalating Middle East crisis.
Market participants expressed growing anxiety over fuel price volatility, with the conflict heightening fears of a prolonged energy crunch. Bangladesh, heavily reliant on imported fuel -- much of it shipped through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz -- remains particularly exposed to supply disruptions.
Analysts said geopolitical uncertainty and its macroeconomic fallout prompted investors to adopt a cautious, risk-averse stance, leading to selling pressure.
The market operated for only two sessions during the week, remaining closed for two days due to Eid-ul-Fitr and one day due to Independence Day.
Trading resumed on Tuesday with broad-based selling, and the index fell 1.29 per cent. Although the following session posted modest gains, it failed to pare earlier losses.
The DSEX finally settled the week 37 points or 0.69 per cent lower at 5,316.
The DS30 index, comprising 30 leading companies, also dropped 31`points to 2,019, while the DSES index, representing Shariah-compliant firms, shed 7 points to settle at 1,074.
Market liquidity remained subdued. Total turnover on the DSE stood at Tk 11 billion, up from Tk 9.80 billion the previous week. Accordingly, average daily turnover rose 11 per cent to Tk 5.5 billion this week from Tk 4.90 billion.
Major sectors suffered losses. The telecom sector suffered the steepest decline, falling 3.14 per cent, followed by the banking with 1.92 per cent, non-bank financial institutions, power, food and allied, and pharmaceuticals.
Acme Laboratories was the most-traded stock with Tk 374 million in turnover, followed by BRAC Bank, City Bank, Sea Pearl Beach, and Intech.
The Chittagong Stock Exchange also extended losses, with the All Shares Price Index (CASPI) falling 114 points to 14,915 while the Selective Categories Index (CSCX) shed 64 points to 9,101.
The port city bourse traded 13.57 million shares and mutual fund units, with turnover of Tk 388 million.
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