DHAKA, May 17: Dhaka stocks closed steady on Saturday in thin trading as investors watched a donors’ meeting reviewing Bangladesh’s economy, brokers said.

The Dhaka Stock Exchange General Index (DGEN) shed 0.01 percent or 0.10 points to 797.5. Losers beat gainers by 58 to 79 with 36 stocks unchanged, the DSE said in a statement.

Brokers said shares prices changed marginally at low volume as investors prefered to watch the market and trade cautiously.

International donors began a two-day meeting in Dhaka on Saturday to review Bangladesh’s economic performances before making any aid commitment.

Bangladesh receives around $1.5 billion annually from international agencies, western rich nations and Japan to finance development and imports.

Investors traded cautiously as they were waiting for the outcome of the donors’ meeting. Their (donors) view on ecomony may influence the market, said Sajjad Parvez of Mahbub Morshed & Co.

Market heavyweight British American Tobacco Bangladesh Company rose one per cent to 100.30 taka on a volume of 18,729 shares.

Beximco Pharmaceuticals, a major drug producer and exporter, lost 0.75 per cent to 39.30 taka on a volume of 41,200 shares.

They were among top traded issues on the day.

Saturday’s overall turnover totalled $0.80 million against $1.3 million traded on Wednesday.

The market was closed on Thursday for a public holiday and Friday for Muslim weekend.

A total of 1.7 million shares were traded against 2.7 million previously.—Reuters