DHAKA, Aug 12, 2026 (BSS) - Stocks today failed to sustain its upward 
momentum as investors opted for profit-taking and adopted a cautious stance 
ahead of potential changes to margin rules, amid persistent macroeconomic and 
geopolitical uncertainties.

The DSEX, the broad index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), fell 6.3 points 
to settle at 5,897, compared with 5,904 points in the previous trading 
session.

The market opened on an optimistic note, with buying interest sustained 
across sectors until mid-session. However, broad-based selling pressure 
emerged later, eroding the earlier gains and pushing the benchmark index into 
negative territory at the close.

Market turnover declined 3.7 percent to Taka 10.7 billion from Taka 11.1 
billion in the previous session.

Textile stocks accounted for the highest share of turnover at 22.8 percent, 
followed by General Insurance at 17.9 percent and Pharmaceuticals at 8.8 
percent.

Most sectors posted mixed returns. Jute, Ceramic and Textile recorded the 
highest gains, rising 2.4 percent, 1.3 percent and 1.1 percent respectively.

On the other hand, Mutual Fund declined 2.2 percent, Life Insurance 1.9 
percent and Financial Institutions 1.3 percent, exerting the most downward 
pressure on the market.

Of the 395 issues traded, 119 advanced, 229 declined and 47 remained 
unchanged.

Meanwhile, the Chattogram Stock Exchange (CSE) ended its session in positive 
territory. Its selected index, CSCX, gained 11.4 points while the All Share 
Price Index (CASPI) advanced 37.8 points.