Stocks witnessed a mixed trend in the early hours of trading on Thursday as investors mostly followed cautious stance after corporate declarations by most of the listed companies.

Following the previous day’s negative note, the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) saw a downward trend in the early trading this morning while the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) saw a positive note till then.

Within the first 30 minutes of trading, the DSE key index saw a fractional loss of 0.53 point while the CSE All Share Price Index (CASPI) gained 5.0 points at 10:30 am when the report was filed.

DSEX, the benchmark index of the DSE, went down by 0.53 point or 0.01 per cent to reach at 4,883 points at that time.

The DS30 index, comprising blue chips, also fell 1.96 points to reach at 1,708. However, the Shariah Index (DSES) advanced 0.72 points to stand at 1,116 points till then.

Market operators said the cautious investors opted for booking profits on sector-wise issues while the bargain hunters remained active on stocks that declared ‘satisfactory’ dividend and quarterly earnings, making the market index volatile.

Many investors moved to the primary market as three IPOs, one is the biggest ever, is set to hit the market soon. Many investors have already disposed of shares of other companies, while some are collecting funds to join the IPO bonanza, said a merchant banker.

Turnover, another important indicator of the market, stood at Tk 1.84 billion when the report was filed at 10:30 am.

Of the issues traded till then, 134 advanced, 78 declined, and 96 remained unchanged.

Beximco Pharma was the most traded stock till filing of this report with shares worth Tk 243 million changing hands, closely followed by Walton, Associated Oxygen, Prime Finance First Mutual Fund and Quasem Industries.

However, the Chittagong Stock Exchange saw a positive trend till then with the CASPI-gaining 5.0 points to stand at 14,012, also at 10:30 am.

The Selective Categories Index (CSCX) also advanced 4.0 points to reach at 8,438 till then.

Of the issues traded till then, 42 gained, 32 declined, and 25 issues remained unchanged with Tk 43 million in turnover.