The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) ended nearly flat on Thursday, the last trading day of the week, as late-session declines in large-cap stocks erased most of the early gains despite a majority of shares closing higher.

Market turnover, however, increased significantly, driven mainly by strong trading activity in the general insurance, textile, and pharmaceutical sectors.

Trading on the DSE began on a positive note, with most stocks and mutual fund units advancing. Within the first 30 minutes of trading, the benchmark DSEX index surged more than 35 points. But selling pressure in several heavyweight stocks later pulled the market back.

At the close, 199 issues advanced, while 144 declined and 53 remained unchanged. Among the blue-chip DS30 companies, only seven gained, 20 lost ground, and three remained unchanged.

The benchmark DSEX index edged up by just 1 point to settle at 5,245 points. The DSE Shariah Index rose 0.83 points to 1,066 points. However, the DS30 Index, comprising selected large-cap companies, fell 9 points to 1,981.

Turnover on the premier bourse climbed to Tk 997.30 crore, up from Tk 856.09 crore in the previous session, marking an increase of Tk 141.21 crore.

Sector-wise, general insurance companies accounted for 18.60 percent of total turnover, followed by textiles with 14.10 percent and pharmaceuticals and chemicals with 11.50 percent.

NCC Bank emerged as the top traded company, with shares worth Tk 37.16 crore changing hands.

Meanwhile, the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also closed higher. The CASPI index gained 44 points. Of the 220 issues traded, 116 advanced, 72 declined, and 32 remained unchanged. Turnover at the CSE stood at Tk 18.48 crore, down from Tk 34.63 crore in the previous session.