Dhaka, March 10 -- Stocks closed higher on Monday as bargain-hunting in beaten-down stocks provided a lift.

The prime index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) increased by 16.50 points to settle at 5,190.95.

The country's capital bourse saw a modest recovery, although overall market participation remained muted amid uncertainty surrounding market momentum, according to EBL Securities.

The blue-chip index DS30, comprising 30 leading companies, increased by 9.92 points to 1,890.28, while the DSES Index, representing Shariah-compliant companies, increased by 5.69 points to 1,162.13 by the close.

The trading session began with cautious selling pressure from investors, which persisted until mid-session. However, buying interest picked up in...