Stocks opened lower on Monday as the persistent energy crisis continued to weigh heavily on investor sentiment, with factory shutdowns and growing reliance on costly alternative energy raising fresh concerns over industrial production and corporate earnings.
Market operators said the prolonged energy crisis, coupled with lingering geopolitical tensions, has made investors increasingly cautious. Concerns are mounting that production disruptions and higher energy costs could hurt the profitability of listed companies, prompting many investors to stay on the sidelines.
Against this backdrop, DSEX, the benchmark index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), fell nearly 11 points, or 0.19 per cent, to 5,711 at 11:30 am, when the report was filed.
The DS30 index, comprising blue-chip stocks, declined 3 points to 2,142, while the Shariah-based DSES index lost 2 points to 1,138.
Trading activity also remained subdued, with turnover on the premier bourse reaching Tk 2.13 billion by 11:30 am.
Market breadth was negative, as 182 issues declined against 108 that advanced, while 93 remained unchanged.
Sharp Industries emerged as the most-traded issue, with shares worth Tk 254 million changing hands during the first hour of trading.
The Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also opened lower. Its All Share Price Index (CASPI) shed 553 points to 15,376, while the CSE Selective Categories Index (CSCX) lost 30 points to 9,365 at 11:30 am.
