Stocks ended flat yesterday as risk averse investors opted for quick profit booking ahead of Monetary Policy Statement (MPS) to be announced early next month.
The benchmark index DSEX lost 5 points or 0.2% to 4,588, breaking a two-day rally.
The Shariah index DSES declined marginally almost 2 points to 1,102. The blue chip comprising index DS30 settled at 1,740, shedding nearly 4 points or 0.3%.
The Chittagong Stock Exchange Selective Category Index CSCX moved down 8 points to 8,508.
Investors remained sidelined ahead of MPS and enthusiasm fueled by easing banks stock market investment exposure as was indicated in low volume of trade.
The DSE turnover was Tk394 croe, down more than 25% over the previous session. Losers took a lead over gainers as out of 321 issues traded, 117 advanced, 153 declined and 51 remained unchanged.
All the major sectors including cement, power, food and allied, mutual fund, telecommunications pharmaceuticals and non-banking financial institutions closed in red.
However, bank and engineering sectors gained marginally.
IDLC Investments said despite the news of easing banks’ capital market exposure adjustment directive just two sessions ago, the market started in a sliding mode.
It said investors could not solidify their investment outlook yet due to lack of encouraging economic and industrial cues.
Lanka Bangla Securities said the benchmark index hit the 4,600 level in intraday trading. However, stocks pared the day’s gain as investors prompted to book profit, it added.
“The market turnover value plunged as investors are acting cautious ahead of MPS announcement for the second half of the current fiscal year.”