Stocks
Asian Markets Mixed as Investors Await US Data Ahead of Fed Meeting
Asian markets showed a mixed performance on Thursday following a subdued day on Wall Street. Traders awaited a series of US data releases, which could influence Federal Reserve officials ahead of their upcoming policy meeting. The recent hot consumer price index reading did not dampen optimism for potential interest rate cuts this year, but analysts cautioned that sentiment could be tested by the producer prices index (PPI) data expected later in the day. While equities may remain range-bound until after the Fed meeting, investors are keenly watching for any clues on the future trajectory of interest rates, with expectations aligned with the Fed’s current forecasts for three reductions this year.
According to Stephen Innes at SPI Asset Management, the PPI data typically does not trigger significant market movements, but concerns about inflation could lead to minor turbulence if the figure exceeds expectations. Additionally, Thursday will see the release of retail sales, jobless claims, and consumer sentiment figures from Washington.
In New York, a pullback in tech giants, including Nvidia, Apple, and Tesla, weighed on the S&P 500 and Nasdaq, while the Dow ended slightly higher. Paris and Frankfurt had set new records earlier in the day. In Asia, Hong Kong rebounded after a dip, while Shanghai, Singapore, Seoul, Taipei, and Manila posted gains. However, Tokyo retreated amid speculation that the Bank of Japan may begin to move away from its ultra-loose monetary policy. Sydney, Wellington, and Jakarta also experienced declines.
Investors remained cautious amidst escalating China-US tensions. The House of Representatives approved a bill that could force TikTok’s Chinese owner to divest from the company, drawing warnings from China of potential consequences. Meanwhile, Bitcoin hovered just below $73,000 after reaching a record high of $73,664. Oil prices edged higher following a rally driven by falling US stockpiles and reports of Ukraine targeting Russian refineries.
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.
