DHAKA, Aug 23, 2026 (BSS) – Stocks today started the week on a negative note, with the benchmark index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) falling sharply as the ongoing energy crisis continued to weigh on investor sentiment.

The DSEX, the broad index of the DSE, fell 63.9 points, or 1.10 percent, to close at 5,722 points on Sunday, compared with 5,786 points in the previous trading session.

Market sentiment remained subdued amid concerns over the persistent energy crisis, including factory shutdowns and increasing dependence on costly alternative sources of energy. Investors feared that the situation could affect industrial production and corporate earnings.

Despite the sharp fall in the index, market turnover increased 5.8 percent to Tk 710 crore from Tk 670 crore in the previous session. Selling pressure intensified during the final hour of trading.

Textiles accounted for the highest share of turnover at 23.3 percent, followed by general insurance at 13.8 percent and pharmaceuticals at 11.9 percent.

Almost all sectors closed in negative territory. Financial institutions posted the highest decline of 2.5 percent, followed by general insurance at 2.1 percent and life insurance at 1.9 percent. Ceramic was the only sector to post a gain, rising 0.8 percent.

Of the 395 issues traded, 322 declined, 32 advanced and 41 remained unchanged.

The port city bourse, Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE), also closed lower. Its Selective Categories' Index (CSCX) declined 35.1 points, while the All Share Price Index (CASPI) fell 61.7 points.