Dhaka's stock market extended its decline on Monday, 26 October, pushing the benchmark index below 5,400 as selling pressure swept across most sectors. According to Dhaka Stock Exchange data, the DSEX shed 33.01 points, or 0.61 per cent, to close at 5,399.54, down from 5,432.55 in the previous session.
The breadth of the fall was striking. Of 384 securities traded, 252 declined, 74 advanced and 58 remained unchanged. Turnover fell 4.68 per cent to Tk410.58 crore, and total market capitalisation slipped 0.38 per cent to Tk6,76,302.60 crore. The blue-chip DS30 fell 10.98 points to 2,090.75, while the Shariah index, DSES, lost 7.25 points to 1,053.44.
A week of caution, not panic
The Monday fall followed a subdued holiday-shortened week. In the week to 24 October, the DSEX edged down just 1.43 points to close at 5,450.57, according to DSE data, as trading was reduced to three sessions by the Durga Puja break. Daily average turnover fell nearly 18 per cent to about Tk395 crore, and breadth remained negative, with 213 decliners against 126 advancers.
Market participants cited familiar concerns: uncertainty over corporate earnings and dividend declarations, rising global energy prices amid renewed Middle East tensions, and a lack of fresh positive catalysts. Trading resumed after the holiday on Sunday with the DSEX falling 18.1 points to 5,433, before Monday's further decline.
Banking stocks dominated Monday's turnover despite a fall in sector turnover, followed by textiles and pharmaceuticals. Prime Bank, BRAC Bank and Saiham Textile Mills led turnover, a reminder that even in a falling market, large, liquid names continue to attract trading interest.
The market is not falling on one shock. It is drifting on caution — and caution, unlike panic, can persist.
What investors watch next
Earnings announcements, dividend declarations and any shift in energy prices or monetary signals will matter more than any single day's index move. For long-term investors, the current phase rewards the same discipline as always: diversified exposure, attention to company fundamentals, and a clear view of how long money can stay invested. This article is for information only and is not personal financial advice.
