DHAKA, Aug 2, 2026 (BSS) - The benchmark index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange 
(DSE) ended almost flat today as late selling pressure erased most of the 
session's early gains, although market turnover rose sharply following the 
Bangladesh Bank's first policy rate cut in nearly two years.

The broad index, DSEX, gained just 0.2 points to close at 5,896, remaining 
below the psychologically important 5,900-point level despite briefly 
crossing the mark during early trading.

Market analysts said the central bank's rate cut provided initial optimism, 
but persistent investor concerns over domestic economic conditions and 
geopolitical uncertainties prevented the market from sustaining its momentum.

Trading activity, however, improved significantly, with turnover rising 20.5 
percent to Taka 12.6 billion from Taka 10.4 billion in the previous session.

Among the major sectors, textile stocks dominated trading, accounting for 
21.4 percent of total turnover, followed by general insurance and 
pharmaceuticals, each contributing 11.9 percent.

Sectoral performance remained mixed. Mutual funds posted the highest gain of 
5.6 percent, followed by jute (1.6 percent) and services (1.5 percent). On 
the losing side, cement and life insurance sectors each declined 0.8 percent, 
while bank shares fell 0.5 percent.

Out of 397 issues traded on the DSE, 192 advanced, 149 declined and 54 
remained unchanged, indicating a moderately positive market breadth.

Meanwhile, the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also witnessed a mixed 
session, with its Selective Categories' Index (CSCX) falling 16.4 points and 
the All Share Price Index (CASPI) declining 33.8 points at the close.