Bangladesh, July 30 -- Listed multinational companies delivered mixed but largely weaker earnings in the first half (January-June) of 2026 as persistent inflation, subdued consumer demand and higher operating costs continued to squeeze profit margins.

Market analysts said prolonged inflation eroded consumers' purchasing power, while elevated energy costs and sluggish economic activity weighed on sales growth and corporate profitability.

Economic activity has remained subdued since the political transition in August 2024, with tight monetary and fiscal policies further dampening private investment and household spending.

Akramul Alam, head of research at Royal Capital, said overall economic activity remained sluggish amid lingering mac...