DHAKA, Aug 18, 2025 (BSS) - Country's both bourses -- Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) -- today extended its gaining streak for the third consecutive session as renewed buying interest in major large-cap stocks continued to drive market momentum. 

DSEX, the broad index of the DSE, advanced by 18.4 points to settle at 5,420 points as against 5,401 points in the previous trading session. 

Market analysts observed that while some mid-session profit-taking briefly slowed the rally, buyers quickly regained control, helping market indices close on positive territory. 

However, banking sector stocks took a breather after recent price appreciations from consecutive sessions of gains, they mentioned. 

Meanwhile, market turnover advanced by 21.7% to BDT 9.8 billion from BDT 8.0 billion in the previous session. 

On the sectoral front, Pharma (19.9%) issues exerted the highest turnover, followed by Bank (12.4%) and Textile (11.1%) sectors. 

Sectors mostly displayed positive returns, out of which Jute (6.7%), Paper (5.6%) and Travel (3.4%) exhibited the most positive returns on the bourse today, while Bank (-1.4%) and Cement (-0.1%) exerted marginal corrections. 

Out of the 397 issues traded, 242 advanced, 89 declined and 66 remained unchanged.

The port city bourse, CSE, also settled on positive zone. The Selective Categories' Index (CSCX) and All Share Price Index (CASPI) advanced by 37.6 points and 61.9 points, respectively.