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Dhaka stocks end up ahead of Clinton visit

DHAKA: Dhaka stocks closed higher on Sunday ahead of U.S. President Bill Clinton's visit which brokers said could help boost investment in Bangladesh and raise the country's exports to the United States.

Dhaka Stock Exchange benchmark index rose 3.27 points or 0.63 percent to close at 514.83. Gainers led losers 90 to 32 with 16 remaining unchanged. The market remained closed from Thursday through Saturday for the Eid holidays.

Clinton will visit Bangladesh on Monday as part of his week-long South Asian tour.

"The share prices have been gaining for the past few sessions as small investors bought shares in anticipation that the Clinton visit might spur investment and trade," said Shahidullah Shaymol of Shahidullah Shyamol & Co.

Sunday's turnover totalled 76.51 million taka ($1.50 million), up 23.90 million taka ($0.46 million) from the previous session.

Food scrip AMCL gained 8.25 taka to 301.75, Bangladesh Oxygen rose 6.70 to 106.10 and Ambee Pharma fell 0.50 to 32.-Reuters