DHAKA, May 18, 2026 (BSS) – The benchmark index of the country’s prime capital market today continued its downward trend as persistent selling pressure and cautious investor sentiment kept most sectors in negative territory.

The broad index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), DSEX, declined by 23.1 points to close at 5,202 points, down from 5,226 points in the previous trading session.

Market analysts said the market remained volatile throughout the session. 

Although indices showed some resilience during mid-session trading, sustained selling pressure across a majority of listed securities dragged the market back into negative territory by the close.

They also observed that post-record date adjustments in several banking stocks added further pressure to the market and contributed to the overall cautious mood among investors.

On the sectoral front, General Insurance dominated the turnover chart, accounting for 18.9 percent of the total turnover, followed by the Food and Ceramic sectors.

Most sectors posted negative returns during the session. Financial Institutions suffered the highest correction, declining by 1.8 percent, followed by Services and Mutual Funds, both of which lost 1.7 percent.

In contrast, a few sectors managed to post modest gains. The jute sector rose by 1 percent, while Food and Ceramic sectors advanced by 0.6 percent and 0.4 percent respectively.

Out of the 396 issues traded on the DSE, 80 advanced, 253 declined and 63 remained unchanged, reflecting the dominance of bearish sentiment in the market.

Meanwhile, the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also ended lower. The Selective Categories’ Index (CSCX) fell by 25.2 points, while the All Share Price Index (CASPI) dropped by 51.9 points at the close of trading today.