Financial markets open in Dhaka with key updates on stocks, gold and rates

Financial markets and economic indicators opened in Dhaka on Sunday with a comprehensive update covering stock market performance, central bank policy adjustments, gold price revisions, and essential commodity rates. The financial update provides a detailed overview of the economic landscape, reflecting recent trading sessions at the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), monetary decisions by Bangladesh Bank, and prevailing market prices for everyday consumer goods across the capital.

Trading activity at the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) showed positive momentum during the recent session on Thursday, prior to the weekend. Official market data indicates that the core DSE_X index increased by 16 points compared to the previous day, reaching a total of 5,656 points by the closing bell. Alongside the benchmark index, other market indicators also experienced upward movement, with the DSES index rising by approximately 5 points to stand at 1,133 points, while the DS-30 index advanced by 8 points to close at 2,135 points. Total market turnover on the DSE floor reached 467 crore taka on Thursday.

In the broader financial sector, the central bank, Bangladesh Bank, has taken specific steps aimed at reducing interest rates across various banking products. Current financial structures reflect a range of borrowing and deposit rates across commercial institutions. Long-term Fixed Deposit Receipts (FDR) offer returns exceeding 10 percent in many banks, whereas current account interest rates hover between 4 and 5 percent. Meanwhile, borrowing costs remain higher, with personal loans and industrial loans commanding interest rates that reach up to 13 to 14 percent.

The precious metals market experienced a notable downward adjustment recently, specifically on last Tuesday, when the price of high-quality 22-carat gold dropped by 7,115 taka per bhori. Following this reduction, retail gold prices across different grades have been established at specific rates. The price for 22-carat gold now stands at 2,40,628 taka per bhori, while 21-carat gold is priced at 2,29,781 taka per bhori. Additionally, 18-carat gold is valued at 1,97,355 taka per bhori, and traditional method gold is priced at 1,61,196 taka per bhori.

Essential consumer commodities and kitchen market items maintained steady price ranges in Dhaka. Broiler chickens were retailed at prices ranging between 180 and 200 taka per kilogram. Protein prices also showed eggs selling at approximately 150 taka per dozen, with minor fluctuations. Furthermore, staple cooking ingredients remained stable, with sugar being sold in local markets at prices ranging from 110 to 120 taka per kilogram.