DHAKA, July 29, 2026 (BSS) - The country's stock market closed lower today as persistent investor caution over domestic and external uncertainties pushed the benchmark index back below the 5,900-point level despite a rise in trading activity.

The broad index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSEX) fell 21.4 points to close at 5,879, down from 5,900 in the previous session.

Market analysts said investor sentiment remained subdued due to concerns over gas supply disruptions, lingering geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and uncertainty surrounding the final amendment to margin loan rules.

Although encouraging corporate earnings from several companies initially supported buying interest, selling pressure intensified during the final trading hour as investors opted to book profits amid doubts over the market's ability to sustain recent gains.

Turnover at the DSE increased by 6.5 percent to Taka 13.4 billion, compared with Taka 12.8 billion in the previous trading session.

The textile sector dominated turnover with a 23.9 percent share, followed by general insurance (12.2 percent) and pharmaceuticals (12.1 percent).

Sectoral performance was mixed. General insurance gained 3.1 percent, food advanced 1.6 percent and miscellaneous rose 1.0 percent. On the downside, financial institutions declined 1.9 percent, while paper and jute each lost 1.7 percent.

Out of 396 issues traded on the DSE, 111 advanced, 237 declined and 48 remained unchanged, indicating broad-based selling pressure.

The Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also ended lower, with the CSCX index falling 20.1 points and the CASPI declining 25.5 points.