The Dhaka bourse closed the week's last session in the red, extending its losing streak to three consecutive sessions.
Apart from a correction in the broad index, turnover value remained insignificant as investors stayed hesitant about fresh participation amid intensifying macroeconomic tensions and the lowest credit growth of 4.47 per cent.
The market opened the day's session positively, but the DSEX, the broad index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), soon lost its momentum.
The DSEX eventually closed at 5,515 points, down 22 points from the previous session, while turnover value rose 4.75 per cent to Tk 5.44 billion.
The broad index lost 52 points over the last three sessions.
Insiders said both the newly emerging macroeconomic tensions and issues linked to regulatory inspections had made investors worried about the future direction of the capital market.
There are fears of a further rise in inflation following a fresh surge in oil prices in the global market. International oil prices crossed $100 per barrel this week.
Consumers will have to bear the adjusted prices of products following the rise in oil prices. For example, the association of the country's bakery owners has already decided to adjust the prices of bakery products from Saturday.
As a result, fresh worries over rising expenditure on basic needs weighed on investors.
All sectors of listed companies, except mutual funds, declined marginally on the premier bourse on Thursday.
Grameenphone, British American Tobacco Bangladesh and Square Pharmaceuticals were among the top index draggers.
As the majority of blue-chip stocks declined, the DS30 index lost 7.71 points to close at 2,095 points.
Meanwhile, investors are awaiting disclosures of quarterly statements for July-September with bated breath.
Manufacturers, who have been enduring a steep energy crisis and may have cut production as a result, are likely to report compromised bottom-line growth.
According to insiders, some regulatory measures, such as the exchange's move toward more frequent inspections of brokerage firms, have also played a role in reducing speculative transactions.
Mutual funds dominated the list of top 10 gainers on Thursday. All funds saw appreciation as investors took positions ahead of liquidation to realise profits based on NAV (net asset value).
CAPM BDBL Mutual Fund 01 was the top gainer, rising 9.72 per cent, while Reliance Insurance was the worst performer, declining 3.96 per cent on the DSE.
