Stocks opened higher on Sunday, supported by capital market-friendly fiscal measures introduced in the Finance Bill 2026 and easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Market analysts said investor sentiment remained upbeat, driven by an improving market outlook, reduced geopolitical risks, and policy support aimed at strengthening the capital market.
By 11:00 am, DSEX, the benchmark index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), gained 27 points, or 0.41 per cent, to 5,770. The advance was led by strong buying interest in large-cap and fundamentally strong companies.
The positive momentum followed Parliament's passage of the Finance Bill 2026 last week. The legislation reduced taxes on dividend income, removed the investment ceiling for claiming tax rebates on investments in mutual funds, and eased listing requirements for companies seeking to raise capital through the stock market.
Market participants believe these measures will enhance the attractiveness of equity investments, encourage greater participation by both retail and institutional investors, strengthen the mutual fund industry, and facilitate corporate fundraising through the capital market.
Turnover on the premier bourse reached Tk 4.0 billion during the first hour of trading, reflecting strong investor participation.
Market breadth remained firmly positive. Of the issues traded by 11:00 am, 253 advanced, 76 declined, and 55 remained unchanged, indicating broad-based buying interest across the market.
The Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also opened on a positive note. Its benchmark index, CASPI, rose 45 points to 15,453, while the CSCX index gained 42 points to 9,478 in early trading.
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