Bangladesh, Oct. 10 -- The benchmark index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) slipped below the 5,500-mark this week as investors continued selling amid persistent domestic economic headwinds and concerns over weak corporate earnings.

Market operators said investors remained cautious in the ongoing earnings season, while lingering economic challenges kept them on the defensive and clouded prospects for a sustainable near-term recovery.

The latest fuel-price hike has emerged as a fresh concern for the stock market, with higher transport, production and distribution costs threatening to squeeze corporate profit margins.

"The market was already under pressure, while the latest fuel-price hike has emerged as a major concern because of its p...