The capital market closed the week with a sharp decline across all indices and a steep fall in trading activity, led by a significant drop in banking sector share prices.

At the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), the benchmark DSEX index dropped by 121 points over the week.

Starting at 4,902 points, the index closed at 4,781 — a fall of 2.47 percent compared to the previous week, marking the lowest level in the past five years.

The other two indices in Dhaka also reflected similar distress. The Shariah-based DSES index fell by 35 points, registering a 3.29 percent weekly loss, the highest among all indices.

Blue-chip shares performed poorly as well. The DS30 index, comprising selected large-cap stocks, declined by 2.76 percent. Overall, the cumulative fall in indices throughout the week exceeded 50 percent.

Out of 322 listed companies traded in Dhaka during the week, the share prices of 322 companies declined, while only 50 gained and 24 remained unchanged.

Investor confidence continued to erode amid the persistent downturn, directly impacting overall turnover. Weekly turnover at the DSE plunged by 32.78 percent.

The average daily turnover dropped from Tk 480 crore to Tk 324 crore. The total number of shares traded also fell by 19.52 percent.

Sector-wise Downturn

The banking sector — traditionally a stronghold of investor trust — experienced a severe collapse. Share prices of 36 listed banks dropped by 47.82 percent overall during the week.

The declining volume of traded shares in the banking sector further highlighted investors’ lack of confidence. Turnover in the sector was down by 31.24 percent.

Although share prices of 10 banks rose, prices fell for 19 banks while 7 remained unchanged.

Financial institutions also failed to perform. Among 23 listed non-bank financial institutions, share prices fell by 26.55 percent, while turnover declined by 19.53 percent.

The most severe blow came in the real estate sector. Share prices in this category declined by more than 60 percent, with a 53 percent drop in turnover.

Throughout the week, only general insurance and mutual fund shares registered price gains. All other sectors saw considerable losses.

Sharp Fall in Chattogram

The Chattogram Stock Exchange (CSE) mirrored the dismal performance of Dhaka. The overall index at the CSE fell by 226 points.

Out of 300 companies traded at the CSE, 203 experienced a decline in share prices. In contrast, 74 gained while 23 remained unchanged.

Like Dhaka, insurance and mutual fund shares held relatively stronger positions in Chattogram. City General Insurance topped the turnover chart at the CSE for the week.

On the other end of the spectrum, Shinepukur Ceramics Limited emerged as the biggest loser, shedding 22 percent of its value.