The Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) has announced further relaxation of margin loan regulations to provide a boost to the country’s stock market.
As per the latest guidelines, listed firms that have maintained an “A” category status for three consecutive years and have a paid-up capital of Tk30 crore will now be able to see their stocks marginable up to a price earnings (PE) ratio of 50.
The BSEC had earlier relaxed margin loan regulations on 18 April to help lift the depressed stock market. Typically, stocks are marginable as long as their PE ratio is below 40, they are not in the Z category, they did not debut in the last 30 working days, and they have not moved up from Z category in the last seven working days.
The initial relaxation of margin rules two weeks ago had been applied to stable stocks that had remained in the “A” category for three consecutive years and had a capital size of Tk50 crore. This decision had helped the depressed stock market experience nine consecutive winning sessions till the end of April. However, some selloffs were experienced in May amid profit booking pressure.
Companies categorized as “A” typically pay at least 10% dividends and are regular in operations while holding annual general meetings. To further support the market, the BSEC has reduced the paid-up capital threshold.
The Dhaka Stock Exchange’s broad-based index, DSEX, closed 0.03% lower at 6,269 on Wednesday, after losing the early hour’s momentum.
