The stock markets in Dhaka and Chattogram struggled to gain momentum on Monday, as turnover and most company prices slipped despite an upturn in key indices.

At the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), the benchmark DSEX index gained 6 points, while the blue-chip DS30 index advanced 5 points.

The Shariah-based DSES index, however, remained unchanged.

Out of 402 issues traded, prices fell for 199 companies, rose for 117, and remained unchanged for 86.

In all three categories — A, B, and Z — most issues ended lower. Notably, among the highest dividend-paying A-category firms, prices dropped for 109 companies against gains by 72, while 43 remained unchanged.

At the block market, shares of 30 companies worth Tk 43 crore changed hands, with Khan Brothers leading the turnover at Tk 15 crore.

Overall daily turnover at the DSE stood at Tk 706 crore, down from Tk 732 crore in the previous session.

Rupali Bank PLC topped the gainers’ list with over 9 percent rise, while Prime Finance and Investment plunged more than 7 percent to end as the day’s worst loser.

The Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also closed higher, with its CASPI index edging up by 6 points.

But most issues declined at the port city bourse as well. Of the 219 companies traded, 116 lost prices, 70 advanced, and 33 remained unchanged.

The turnover at the CSE dropped sharply to Tk 8.5 crore from Tk 12 crore in the previous session.

Dhaka Electric Supply Company Ltd (DESCO) led the gainers’ table with more than 9 percent rise, while Investment Corporation of Bangladesh (ICB) slumped over 10 percent to finish at the bottom.