Stocks
Asian Stocks Retreat on Middle East Concerns and Fed Rate Cut Uncertainty
Asian stocks edged lower on Tuesday as concerns over the situation in the Middle East overshadowed expectations for an early Federal Reserve interest rate cut. The absence of trading catalysts due to a holiday in Wall Street limited buying activity, and analysts cautioned that optimism about substantial monetary policy loosening by the US central bank might be excessive. Equities had surged at the end of 2023 amid signs of decreasing inflation and a softening job market, fueling speculation of a Fed rate cut. However, recent developments, including strong employment data and higher-than-expected consumer prices, have tempered those expectations.
Market pricing indicates anticipation of nearly seven rate cuts in 2024, reflecting the belief that disinflation is firmly entrenched. Analysts, such as Stephen Innes at SPI Asset Management, questioned whether the market is now overestimating the Fed’s readiness to implement rate cuts over the next 12 months. While inflation is generally trending downward, concerns persist that it could resurface, especially amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
Recent US and UK strikes against Yemen’s Huthis, in response to attacks on Red Sea shipping, have heightened geopolitical tensions, with fears of potential retaliation. Despite initial upward movement, oil prices remain subdued due to global economic struggles, particularly in China. Investors are now awaiting key US data releases on retail sales, industrial production, and jobs later in the week.
Most Asian markets experienced declines, with Tokyo seeing a small drop after six consecutive gains that lifted the Nikkei to a 34-year high. Hong Kong, Shanghai, Sydney, Seoul, Singapore, Wellington, Taipei, and Manila also reported losses. The weak performance follows European losses tied to Germany’s slight economic contraction in 2023, attributed to factors such as costly energy, high-interest rates, and weakening foreign demand.
Dhaka Stock Market DSE, Bourse on the last working day of the week, 25th July, ended with a hike in Indices and Turnover from the previous working session. This information is known from DSE sources.
497 crore 34 lakh taka shares were traded on this day. 337 crore 97 lakh more tradings were done in DSE today compared to the previous workday, July 24th, Shares worth Tk 159 crores 37 lakh shares were traded last time, Wednesday.
The benchmark DSEX increased 62.81 points or 5,413 The Shariah-based index DSES added 13.81 points or 1,183 and the blue-chip index DS30 gained by 24.25 points or 1,932.
Of the issues traded, 286 advanced, 66 declined and 40 remained unchanged.
Techno Drugs Limited ranked top gainer on DSE, the share price increased by Tk 3.80 paisa or 9.87 percent. On this day, the share was last traded at Tk 42.30 paisa.
Rangpur Foundry Limited ranked top loser on the DSE, the share price dropped by Tk 5.40 paisa or 2.98 percent. On this day, the share was last traded at Tk 175.70 paisa.
DSE topped on trade is Square Pharmaceuticals PLC 35 crore 9 lakh takas of company shares have been traded.
A total of 28 companies’ shares were traded in the Block on Dhaka Stock Exchange. A total of 82 lakh 94 thousand 29 shares of the companies were traded. The financial value of which is 21 crore 92 lakh taka
One of the listed companies, Eastland Insurance Company Limited discloses its financial reports for the second quarter, (April – June 24).
The company’s earnings per share (EPS) Tk 0.27 paisa in Q2 of the current financial year (April – June 24). EPS was Tk. 0.41 for January-June 2024 as against Tk. 1.47 for the same period last year. EPS was Tk 0.80 paisa during the same period last year. NAV per share was Tk. 20.85 as of June 30, 2024.
One of the listed companies, Shahjalal Islami Bank PLC discloses its financial reports for the second quarter, (April – June 24).
The company’s Consolidated earnings per share (EPS) Tk 1.50 paisa in Q2 of the current financial year (April – June 24). Consolidated EPS was Tk. 1.50 for January-June 2024 as against Tk. 1.47 for the same period last year. EPS was Tk 0.80 paisa during the same period last year. Consolidated NAV per share was Tk. 20.85 as of June 30, 2024.
