The key index of Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), DSEX, continued its free-fall on Monday (Mar 16), reaching a 6.5-year low amid increasing concern over the impacts of coronavirus pandemic.

DSEX fell to its new low by losing 4.96% to close at 3,772.6 points while CASPI of Chattogram Stock Exchange (CSE) declined 4.75% to close at 11,576.5 points.

DSE Shariah based index DSES declined 5.65% to end at 874.1 points, while blue-chip index, DS30 went down by 5.12% to close at 1,265.1 points.

Among the traded issues 10 gained, 333 declined and 12 remained unchanged during the session in Dhaka Stock Exchange while 25 gained, 235 declined and 11 remained unchanged in CSE.

Market insiders and experts said investors dumped their holdings amid growing concern over the impacts of coronavirus pandemic as three more cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in the country on Monday.

The pharmaceuticals sector contributed 23.9% of the total turnover while engineering, textile and banking sectors contributed 11.9%, 9.7% and 8.1% respectively, showed the daily market analysis of UCB Capital Management Limited.