DHAKA, Aug 17, 2026 (BSS) - Stocks today suffered a sharp sell-off today, extending their losing streak to four consecutive sessions, as continued uncertainty over proposed changes to margin lending rules compounded concerns over weaker corporate earnings amid prevailing domestic economic conditions.

The benchmark DSEX of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) fell 45.7 points, or 0.78 percent, to settle at 5,814 points, compared with 5,860 points in the previous trading session.

The market remained under pressure from the outset but held relatively steady until mid-session as rumours over possible final changes to the margin rules prompted opportunistic buying in selected sector-specific stocks.

However, buying interest gradually faded as investors remained uncertain about the final rules. The resulting panic intensified selling pressure, triggering broad-based corrections across the market.

Market turnover also declined by 12.0 percent to Tk 9.9 billion from Tk 11.3 billion in the previous session, indicating a reduction in trading activity amid heightened investor caution.

Textile stocks accounted for the largest share of turnover at 21.3 percent, followed by general insurance at 15.1 percent and engineering at 11.0 percent.

Most sectors posted negative returns. Mutual funds recorded the highest correction of 3.1 percent, followed by textiles, also down 3.1 percent, while the IT sector declined 2.3 percent.

Of the 395 issues traded on the DSE, 53 advanced, 312 declined and 30 remained unchanged.

The Chattogram Stock Exchange (CSE) also ended the session in negative territory. Its selected index CSCX fell 61.6 points, while the All Share Price Index (CASPI) declined 111.2 points.