DHAKA, June 18, 2026 (BSS) - Stocks today witnessed a recovery trading session, supported by renewed investor interest in selective blue-chip and fundamentally strong shares amid improving sentiment and easing external uncertainties.

The DSEX index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) advanced by 39.8 points to close at 5,661, compared to 5,622 in the previous session. 

The market opened on a firm note and maintained upward momentum throughout the session, driven by sustained buying pressure in large-cap stocks, which played a key role in lifting overall indices.

Market participants said the recovery was mainly led by focused accumulation in quality equities, as investors positioned themselves in perceived undervalued stocks following recent market adjustments.

Improved macro sentiment and easing geopolitical concerns also contributed to strengthening risk appetite in equities.

Despite the index gain, market turnover slightly declined by 1.2 percent to Taka 12.0 billion from Taka 12.1 billion in the previous session, indicating cautious but selective participation in the market.

Sector-wise turnover remained concentrated in key areas, with Pharma (14.3%) leading, followed by Textile (12.7%) and Engineering (11.1%), reflecting continued investor preference for large, liquid, and fundamentally strong sectors.

On the price front, sector performance was mixed. Mutual Funds (4.3%), Cement (2.5%), and Telecom (1.6%) recorded the highest gains, while Miscellaneous (-2.6%), Services (-2.1%), and Ceramic (-1.0%) faced notable corrections, indicating ongoing sector rotation.

Market breadth remained slightly negative, with 171 issues advancing, 181 declining, and 44 remaining unchanged out of 396 traded securities, suggesting that the recovery was driven by selective stock performance rather than a broad-based rally.

Meanwhile, the port city bourse also closed higher. The Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) indices-CSCX and CASPI-rose by 74.4 points and 116.6 points respectively, mirroring the positive trend in Dhaka.