Stocks
Asian Markets Rebound Despite Wall Street’s Tepid Performance
Most Asian markets rose on Tuesday, recovering from the previous day’s sell-off. Investors are closely watching the release of US inflation data, which could influence the Federal Reserve’s decisions on interest rates. Despite a relatively subdued performance on Wall Street, there is caution in the markets as investors consider potential profit-taking and assess the outlook for monetary policy.
There is a sense of nervousness on trading floors ahead of the release of the February consumer price index (CPI) report later in the day. The unexpected uptick in January dampened hopes for an earlier start to rate cuts by the central bank. Futures traders are now betting on three rate reductions this year, compared to the initial forecast of six at the beginning of the year.
Stephen Innes of SPI Asset Management emphasizes the importance of avoiding a repeat of the last CPI release. Another report similar to January’s could raise doubts about the wisdom of the Fed’s rate-cutting approach in 2024, potentially impacting risk appetite.
In early trading, Hong Kong continued its recent advance, benefiting from increased buying of tech firms and positive Chinese inflation data over the weekend, calming concerns about the country’s economy. Sydney, Seoul, Singapore, Taipei, and Manila also experienced gains.
However, Tokyo saw declines amid speculation that the Bank of Japan might shift away from its ultra-loose monetary policy next week, impacting the strength of the yen. Shanghai and Wellington also recorded falls.
Investors largely disregarded Wall Street’s negative performance, where equities reached multiple record highs this year. Analysts suggest that stocks may be due for consolidation or even modest declines, particularly if there is no significant shift in the fundamental picture. Such a downturn could be viewed as a buying opportunity.
The expectation of lower US interest rates has played a role in driving bitcoin to new record highs, reaching $72,880. Regulatory developments in the US and the UK, allowing exchange-traded funds (ETFs) for bitcoin, have further supported its rise and expanded its appeal to new classes of investors.
Dhaka Stock Market DSE, Bourse on the second working day of the week, 30th September, ended with a negative performance in Indices and a hike in Turnover from the previous working session. This information is known from DSE sources.
503 crore 90 lakh taka shares were traded on this day. 22 crore 58 lakh more tradings were done in DSE today compared to the previous workday, 29th September, Shares worth Tk 481 crores 31 lakh shares were traded last time, Sunday.
The benchmark DSEX lost 33.61 points or 5,624 The Shariah-based index DSES dropped 7.36 point or 1,263 and the blue-chip index DS30 decreased by 9.57 points or 2,053.
Of the issues traded, 72 advanced, 299 declined and 25 remained unchanged.
Shahjibazar Power Company Limited ranked top gainer on DSE, the share price increased by Tk 4.00 paisa or 9.76 percent. On this day, the share was last traded at Tk 45.00 paisa.
Dhaka Electric Supply Company Limited ranked top loser on the DSE, the share price dropped by Tk 1.80 paisa or 7.56 percent. On this day, the share was last traded at Tk 22.00 paisa.
DSE topped on trade is Pragati Life Insurance Limited 25 crore 35 lakh takas of company shares have been traded.
A total of 27 companies’ shares were traded in the Block on Dhaka Stock Exchange. A total of 1 crore 50 lakh 42 thousand 956 shares of the companies were traded. The financial value of which is 65 crore 60 lakh taka
One of the Listed companies, National Polymer Limited has recommended 10.50% Cash Dividend for the year ended June 30, 2024.
It has reported Consolidated EPS of Tk 2.27 paisa, and Consolidated NAV per share of Tk 30.63 for the year ended March 31, 2024.
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the company will be held on December 18, through the digital platform. The record date for this has been fixed at October 22.
The Company also discloses its financial reports for the second quarter, (April – June 24).
As per the company’s consolidated life revenue account for April to June 2024, the excess of total income over total expenses, including claims (surplus), stood at Tk 1,394.24 million. This marks a significant increase from the surplus of Tk 823.68 million during the same period in 2023.
For the first half of 2024, from January to June, the company reported a surplus of Tk 2,177.57 million, compared to Tk 1,290.39 million in the corresponding period of the previous year.
Additionally, the Life Insurance Fund balance as of June 30, 2024, reached Tk 55,188.62 million, showing a net increase of Tk 5,892.25 million from Tk 49,296.37 million on June 30, 2023.
One of the Listed companies, Beacon Pharmaceuticals PLC has recommended 20% Cash dividend and 10% Cash Dividend to Sponsor Shareholder and Directors for the year ended June 30, 2024.
It has reported EPS of Tk 2.26 paisa, and NAV per share of Tk. 26.37 for the year ended June 30, 2024.
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the company will be held on December 23, through the digital platform. The record date for this has been fixed at October 27.
