Stock exchanges back to full trading hours Wednesday

Both the stock exchanges are resuming full hours of trading session from Wednesday after more than three and a half months of disruption due to the novel coronavirus.

The Dhaka Stock Exchange and the Chittagong Stock Exchange said in separate press statements that their trading sessions would start at 10.30am and close at 2.30pm from July 8, 2020.

Earlier, on March 19 the exchanges shortened their trading sessions by one hour to begin at 10.30 am and end at 1.30 pm, instead of 2.30pm.

The market went through a shutdown since the closing bell on March 25 and reopened on May 31.

Later, on June 18 the exchanges changed their trading schedules again to align with that in the banking industry.

Until Tuesday, trading in the capital market was starting at 10.00am and closing at 1.00pm.

Indices at the bourses appeared to gain little bit strength amid investors' increased participation to trade some selective stocks. However, the pace of gains and turnover are still dull.

The DSEX, the benchmark index at the premier bourse, has gained 1 percent or 41 points in the last 11 sessions.

Turnover also has increased a little despite the existing floor in scrip prices that is not allowing spontaneous movement and is resulting in low buy-sell.

The full trading hour might help increase buy-sell more or less, believe market professionals.