DHAKA, Sept 3, 2026 (BSS) - The capital market remained largely range-bound today, with the benchmark index hovering near flat as weak investor conviction over the market's near-term direction prompted profit-taking and capped the momentum of the recent recovery.

The DSEX, the broad index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), edged up 1.7 points to settle at 5,662 points, compared with 5,660 points in the previous trading session.

The market opened on an optimistic note, with the indices remaining in positive territory until mid-session. However, selling pressure intensified in the later hours as investors opted to realise recent gains amid concerns over the sustainability of the market's recovery.

Market turnover also declined by 1.4 percent to Tk 720 crore from Tk 730 crore in the previous session, indicating relatively subdued trading activity.

Textile stocks dominated the day's turnover, accounting for 33.0 percent of the total, followed by general insurance at 16.7 percent and pharmaceuticals at 12.4 percent.

Sectoral performance remained mixed. Cement posted the highest gain of 1.8 percent, followed by life insurance at 1.7 percent and IT at 1.0 percent.

On the other hand, textile stocks suffered the steepest correction, declining 2.4 percent, while mutual funds and services fell 1.4 percent and 1.1 percent, respectively.

Of the 395 issues traded on the DSE, 125 advanced, 225 declined and 45 remained unchanged, reflecting a broadly negative market breadth despite the marginal rise in the benchmark index.

The port city bourse, Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE), ended lower. Its Selective Categories' Index (CSCX) declined 4.7 points, while the All Share Price Index (CASPI) fell 14.0 points.