STAR BUSINESS REPORT

The benchmark index of Dhaka stocks ended marginally higher yesterday, snapping a two-day losing streak as mixed gains among large-cap sectors lifted the market, while turnover fell due to weak investor sentiment.

The DSEX, the benchmark index of the bourse, increased by 2.90 points, or 0.05 percent, to close at 5,119.41, according to DSE data. Other indices posted mixed performances, with the Shariah-based DSES falling and the blue-chip DS30 edging higher.

The market closed in the green as large-cap sectors posted a mixed performance, BRAC EPL Stock Brokerage Ltd said in its daily market update.

Turnover, a key gauge of investor activity, stood at Tk 444 crore, down from Tk 487 crore in the previous session, reflecting lower participation in line with the recent market slump.

Block trades — high-volume transactions involving large numbers of securities — contributed 2.5 percent to the overall market turnover.

Market breadth was mixed, with 154 issues advancing, 179 declining, and 65 remaining unchanged.

Among the major sectors, engineering booked the day’s highest gain, rising 0.60 percent, while food and allied edged up 0.15 percent, and banks advanced 0.11 percent.

Pharmaceuticals slipped 0.11 percent, fuel and power fell 0.42 percent, non-banking financial institutions dropped 0.47 percent, and telecommunications lost 1.06 percent.

Summit Alliance Port emerged as the most traded stock, posting a turnover of Tk 19.1 crore, according to BRAC EPL.

On the performance table, Peoples Leasing and Financial Services surged 10 percent to top the gainers’ list, while Bangladesh Industrial Finance Company slumped 10 percent, making it the worst performer of the session.