Stocks gain for second week

Stocks in Bangladesh have maintained their upward trend for two weeks straight, with the National Board of Revenue (NBR) recently slashing the capital gains tax.

The NBR halved the capital gains tax rate to 15 percent on share sale profits of above Tk 50 lakh on Monday, spurring investor confidence.

The DSEX, the benchmark index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange, added 116.93 points last week, up 2.25 percent compared to the previous week.

The index closed at 5,316.33 points on Thursday.

The trading volume reflected strong market activity, with the total turnover increasing 45 percent week-on-week to reach Tk 3,029 crore.

Key indices also posted solid gains as the DS30, representing 30 top companies, rose by 39 points to 1,965.

The Shariah-compliant DSES index climbed 43 points to 1,188.

Global Heavy Chemicals led the gainers, surging 42.62 percent to Tk 26.10, while Prime Finance and Investment Ltd dropped 10.53 percent to Tk 5.1.

The paper and printing sector posted the highest returns, advancing 10.35 percent, followed by travel, leisure, and ceramics.