B Mirror Report:  Stocks continued their upward trend for the third straight trading session today, driven by sustained buying interest in major blue-chip shares amid improving investor confidence linked to growing political clarity ahead of the upcoming national election.

The benchmark index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), DSEX, climbed 34 points to close at 5,174, compared to 5,140 in the previous session.

Market indicators remained positive throughout the day as buyers dominated trading activity, pushing up prices in several large-cap stocks. Improved sentiment played a key role in boosting selective scrips.

Despite the positive momentum, overall market turnover fell by 8.7 percent to Tk 6.3 billion, down from Tk 6.9 billion in the previous trading session.

Sector-wise, General Insurance led turnover with a 17.2 percent share, followed by Pharmaceuticals at 16.1 percent and Banking at 15.4 percent.

In terms of performance, the Banking sector posted the highest gains at 2.1 percent, while Cement rose 1.6 percent and Telecom advanced 0.8 percent. On the downside, IT shares dropped 3.0 percent, Jute fell 1.7 percent, and Life Insurance declined 1.2 percent.

Of the 397 issues traded on the DSE, 132 closed higher, 190 ended lower, and 75 remained unchanged.

Meanwhile, the Chattogram Stock Exchange (CSE) also recorded a positive session. The Selective Categories Index (CSCX) increased by 78.6 points, while the All Share Price Index (CASPI) gained 114.2 points by the close of trading.