Turnover in the stock market dropped to its lowest position in two months yesterday due to the wait-and-see approach among investors amid the deteriorating pandemic situation.

Turnover fell sharply by around 14 per cent to hit Tk 1,148 crore, the lowest since April 28, when the key market indicator stood at Tk 940 crore.

The DSEX, the benchmark index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), rose 15 points, or 0.26 per cent, to 6,042.

"Investors are being careful now since no one can say how badly the pandemic situation may deteriorate," said a top official of an asset management company preferring anonymity.

The government has already announced a week-long strict lockdown from tomorrow but it may be extended if the situation worsens.

"That would have an even greater impact on the market as it might reduce the performance of listed companies," he said.

"But the market will not fall much this year since many general investors and institutional investors are active," he added.

At the DSE, 175 stocks advanced, 166 declined and 32 remained unchanged.

Zeal Bangla Sugar Mills topped the gainers' list, rising 10 per cent, followed by Delta Life Insurance, Jute Spinners, Bangladesh Monospool Paper Manufacturing, and Savar Refractories.

Stocks of Beximco Limited traded the most with Tk 67 crore followed by Delta Life Insurance, Malek Spinning, National Feed Mills, and Anwar Galvanizing.

Pragati Life Insurance shed the most, falling 9.53 per cent, followed by Sonargaon Textiles, Malek Spinning, Popular Life Insurance, and Queen South Textiles.

The port city bourse also rose yesterday as the CASPI, the general index of the Chittagong Stock Exchange, increased by 33.7 points to reach 17,473.

Among 321 traded stocks, 140 advanced, 151 dropped, and 30 remained unchanged.