B Mirror Report: Both of Bangladesh’s stock exchanges, the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE), fell sharply today as rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East sparked broad-based selloffs. Investors adopted a cautious approach, closely monitoring market trends.

The DSEX, the main index of DSE, dropped 138.6 points to close at 5,462 points from 5,600 points in the previous session. Analysts noted that the market opened with a steep decline, losing over 200 points at the outset due to aggressive selling pressure. Although there was a partial recovery during the session, most stocks traded in negative territory throughout the day.

Market turnover fell by 18.1%, totaling Taka 7.8 billion, compared to Taka 9.5 billion in the previous session. Among sectors, Bank (24.2%) led the turnover, followed by Pharma (13.1%) and Textile (8.7%). All sectors posted negative returns, with the largest declines seen in Travel (-4.2%), Paper (-3.7%), and Financial Institutions (-3.2%). Out of 397 traded issues, 30 advanced, 350 declined, and 17 remained unchanged.

The CSE also ended in the red, with the Selective Categories’ Index (CSCX) falling 165.4 points and the All Share Price Index (CASPI) losing 245.9 points.

The decline reflects investors’ heightened caution amid global uncertainties and geopolitical risks impacting market sentiment.