Stocks
Asian Markets Navigate Uncertainty Over Fed Rate Cuts
Asian investors proceeded cautiously on Thursday following remarks from a Federal Reserve official suggesting a potential delay or reduction in interest rate cuts. Meanwhile, the yen maintained its gains after briefly reaching a 34-year low the previous day.
As a recent market rally begins to lose steam, traders are reassessing the US monetary policy outlook. Above-forecast inflation and economic data have led some to question whether the central bank can adhere to its projection of three rate cuts this year.
Confidence has been further shaken by recent comments from Fed officials. Atlanta president Raphael Bostic reiterated his stance of expecting only one rate cut this year, warning against hasty actions that could disrupt the market. Governor Lisa Cook also urged caution among decision-makers.
The latest remarks came from Fed governor Christopher Waller, who suggested a reduction in the number of rate cuts or delaying them in response to recent data. Waller noted progress in reducing inflation but expressed concern over slowed or stalled progress in recent months.
His comments preceded the release of the personal consumption expenditures (PCE) index, expected to show a slight increase, on Friday. Despite concerns, all three main indexes on Wall Street saw gains, with the S&P 500 reaching another record high.
In Asia, markets were mixed, with Hong Kong, Shanghai, Sydney, and Wellington posting gains while Singapore, Seoul, Taipei, and Jakarta declined. Tokyo saw a decline of over one percent as the yen stabilized after hitting its weakest level since 1990 against the dollar.
A Bank of Japan official’s comments warning of continued accommodative monetary policy contributed to the yen’s slide. Speculation has arisen regarding potential intervention to support the currency, with Vice Finance Minister Masato Kanda expressing readiness to take necessary measures.
Market analysts anticipate heightened anticipation for Bank of Japan intervention, particularly in light of recent yen fluctuations. Concerns persist over potential market disruptions in the absence of intervention before the weekend.
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.
