Daily turnover on the Dhaka Stock Exchange declined 17.82 percent to Tk 215 crore, lowest in one month, amid shaky market sentiments.

DSEX, the benchmark general index of the Dhaka bourse, fell 25.05 points or 0.56 percent, to 4,411.15.

DSES, the shariah index of the bourse, closed at 399.77 after falling 5.13 points or 0.51 percent.

The relentless losing streak chipped away market confidence spurring investors to meticulous positioning, said IDLC Investments.

Meanwhile, expectations on half-yearly earnings and upcoming monetary policy statement for July-December started reviving investors prompting them to balance portfolios, the investment banker said.

The market ended up in the red on the opening day of the week in continuation of shaky market sentiment last Thursday, said LankaBangla Securities.

"After experiencing a fall in four consecutive sessions, investors may be watching how index moves before hitting the psychological support level of4,440 points."

The market direction will become clearer as second quarter earnings start, hitting the

screen soon, the stockbroker said.

"The economy is in a bit of a fix. Though there is no political clash this year, consumption and investment is still low," LankaBangla said.

A total of 0.61 lakh trades were executed with 6.35 crore shares and mutual fund units changing hands on the Dhaka bourse.

The losers took a strong lead over the gainers as 159 declined, 81 advanced and 46 remained unchanged out of the 286 issues traded on the DSE.

Of the major sectors, the food and allied sector rose 3.84 percent, backed by heavy-weight British American Tobacco that gained 4.71 percent on the day. Banks fell 1.20 percent as first negative remittance growth in a decade emerged in news media, posing another strong threat, IDLC said.

The cement sector also saw selling pressure after posting highest gain last week.

Beximco was the most traded stock with 53.06 lakh shares worth Tk 18 crore changing hands, followed by Appollo Ispat, Generation Next Fashion and Grameenphone.

Bangladesh Thai Aluminium was the day's highest gainer, posting a 9.30 percent rise, while National Life Insurance was the worst loser, slumping 27.51 percent following its price adjustment after record date.