The SME shares listed on the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) have surged abnormally, and the SME index shot up 51% (696 points) during the last one month. Meanwhile, the benchmark index DSEX dropped 119 points (1.83%), and the DS-30, representing blue-chip securities, plunged 60 points (2.54%) during the same period. Analysts have attributed the abnormal rise of SME stocks to speculations and rumors. The DSE-SME was launched on April 30, 2019, to allow SMEs to raise funds from the stock market. The move was welcomed by analysts since 7.8 million small businesses in the country contribute about 25% to the GDP but lack access to finance.
