Bangladesh, Oct. 3 -- Stocks returned to the red this week, snapping a two-week rally, as a fresh fuel-price shock, persistently high borrowing costs and concerns over corporate earnings prompted investors to retreat to the sidelines.

Market participants said the latest Tk 20-per-litre fuel-price increase emerged as a fresh concern for the equity 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 emerged as a major concern for the equity market because of its potential impact on corporate earnings," said a leading stockbroker.

He said the higher fuel costs could translate into slower earnings growth f...