Dhaka, March 17 -- Stocks declined on Monday as investors locked in short-term profits.

The prime index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) decreased by 16.50 points to settle at 5,205.

The capital market continued its bearish trend from the previous session as cautious selling pressure persisted among investors. However, a slight uptick in investor participation was noted across the trading board, according to EBL Securities.

The blue-chip index DS30, comprising 30 leading companies, decreased by 6.01 points to 1,888.57, while the DSES Index, representing Shariah-compliant companies, decreased by 1.46 points to 1,161.57 by the close.

Turnover, a crucial indicator of the market, stood at Tk 5.05 billion, up 12.7 per cent from the previo...