After days of decline, Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) finally turned positive today, climbing 21.30 points (0.77%) to close at 2,761.26.
The Sensitive Index, which tracks big and strong companies, also rose 0.67% to 474.38.
A total of 10.87 million shares from 317 listed companies were traded, with turnover crossing Rs 5.75 billion.
Market analyst Kushal Niroula said, “This can be seen as a comeback after a long slump. The market will likely move in small steps from here. Big rallies before festivals are unlikely.” He added that the rise in prices but drop in turnover shows weak investor confidence, though the recent NRB decision on microfinance dividend distribution helped sentiment.
Another analyst noted that the market bounced back from a support zone but warned that an uptrend will be confirmed only if turnover stays above Rs 9.5 billion and the index holds above 2,780.
Sector performance
Out of 13 sectors, 11 closed higher. The “Others” sector led the rally with a 2.79% gain.
Banking rose 0.61%, Development Banks 1.10%, Finance 0.30%, Hotels 0.53%, Hydropower 0.38%, Investment 0.38%, Life Insurance 0.69%, Microfinance 1.59%, Non-life Insurance 0.44%, and Trading 0.08%.
Mutual Funds fell 0.34%, and Manufacturing & Processing dipped 0.05%.
Most traded stocks
Nepal Reinsurance topped the turnover chart with over Rs 769.6 million in trades. Himalayan Reinsurance, Himalayan Distillery, Radhi Power, and Chhimek Laghubitta also saw heavy trading.
Top gainers
Only two stocks hit the upper circuit: Narayani Development Bank and Bikash Hydropower. Sana Kisan Bikas Laghubitta (+5.26%), Nepal Reinsurance (+5.10%), and Mahuli Laghubitta (+4.48%) were also among top gainers.
Top losers
Sikles Hydropower fell the most (-3.54%), followed by CYC Nepal Laghubitta (-3.50%) and Khanikhola Hydropower (-2.63%).
