DHAKA, June 22 (BSS) – Stocks today ended in the red for the second consecutive trading session as investors engaged in profit-booking following the recent post-budget rally, while concerns over the closure of the Strait of Hormuz further dampened market sentiment.

The benchmark DSEX index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) declined by 85.7 points to close at 5,554 points, down from 5,640 points in the previous session.

Market analysts said investors remained cautious throughout the session, prompting widespread selling pressure across most sectors. 

The market opened on a subdued note and selling intensified as trading progressed, reflecting weakening risk appetite and reduced participation from investors.

Turnover at the DSE fell by 12.6 percent to Taka 8.8 billion from Taka 10 billion in the previous session. 

The number of trades dropped by 5.2 percent, while traded volume also declined by 12.6 percent, indicating lower market activity.

Among the sectors, pharmaceuticals accounted for the highest share of turnover at 16.4 percent, followed by engineering at 11.8 percent and textiles at 11.2 percent.

Sectoral performance remained largely negative, with miscellaneous stocks suffering the sharpest decline of 3.5 percent. Information technology and financial institutions sectors also posted notable losses of 2.9 percent and 2.8 percent, respectively.

The Chattogram Stock Exchange (CSE) also finished lower. The CSCX index declined by 94.1 points, while the CASPI lost 167.7 points, mirroring the bearish trend seen in the broader market.