Stocks return to black

Dhaka stocks gained today, just after passing a profit booking session yesterday, on hopes that the index would continue to rise for some more time.

DSEX, the benchmark index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), surged 15 points, or 0.22 per cent, to 7,218.

People are still optimistic about the market although the investors booked profits yesterday, said a stock broker.

However, the participation of the institutional investors fell as they are waiting on the sidelines to understand the market trend, he said.

Turnover, an important indicator of the market, hit Tk 2,040 crore today, down 24 per cent from the previous day's Tk 2,708 crore.

Metro Spinning topped the gainers' list that rose 9.92 per cent followed by Monno Fabrics, Meghna Condensed Milk, SBAC Bank, and Beach Hatchery.

ICB shed mostly in the market that fell 8.62 per cent followed by Walton Hi-tech Industries, Berger Paints, Savar Refractories, and Bangladesh National Insurance.

Stocks of Beximco Ltd traded mostly that worth Tk 149 crore followed by Beximco Pharmaceuticals, National Housing Finance Mills, NRB Commercial Bank, and British American Tobacco.

At the DSE, 189 stocks advanced, 143 declined and 43 remained unchanged.

The Chattogram Stock Exchange also rose today. The CASPI, the general index of the port city bourse, increased 44 points, or 0.21 per cent, to 21,029.

Among 323 traded stocks, 164 advanced, 132 fell and 27 remained unchanged.