The main index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) yesterday stretched its gaining streak to two sessions in a row despite a massive fall in market turnover thanks to renewed interest among investors.

The DSEX, the benchmark index of the country's premier bourse, edged up 14 points, or 0.20 per cent, to close the day at 6,771.

However, turnover, an important market indicator, dropped 25 per cent to Tk 836 crore at the same time, from Tk 1,116 crore the previous day.

Stocks ended on a positive note for the second day running as investors are showing interest in cheaper stocks while also putting fresh bets on sector-specific issues, International Leasing Securities said in its daily market review.

Investors were mostly focused on shares of non-bank financial institutions amid the release of their December-end declarations.

However, turnover decreased due to shorter trading hours for the month of Ramadan.

Besides, some investors are still following a cautious stance and reducing their exposure in fear of the price hike of necessary commodities during the month, it added.

Among the sectors, financial institutions rose 2.9 per cent, cement increased 2.9 per cent, and mutual funds edged up 0.9 per cent.

Losers took a modest lead over gainers as out of the 379 traded issues, 195 declined, 129 advanced, and 55 remained unchanged.

The DS30, the blue-chip index, and DSES, the Shariah-based index, gained 13 points and 2 points respectively.

JMI Hospital Requisite Manufacturing topped the gainers list with a 10 per cent rise while IPDC Finance, CAPM BDBL Mutual Fund One, National Housing Finance and Investments, and Imam Button also saw major gains.

Linde Bangladesh shed the most, dropping 1.93 per cent. Eastern Lubricants, Apex Spinning, Islami Insurance, and Aamra Networks were among the heavy losers as well.

IPDC Finance became the most traded stock with shares worth Tk 57 crore changing hands followed by Provati Insurance, Beximco Ltd, Fortune Shoes, and GSP Finance.

The Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also rose yesterday. The CASPI, the main index of the CSE, edged up 76 points, or 0.38 per cent, to close the day at 19,825.

Of the 279 stocks traded, 124 rose, 119 fell, and 36 did not see any price movement.