Nepal Stock Exchange saw a noticeable drop today. The NEPSE index fell by 19.43 points, or 0.76%, closing at 2,528.16. The Sensitive Index, which tracks strong and leading companies, also dropped by 1.03% to 439.94 points.
A total of 317 companies traded today. Around 7.48 million shares changed hands, with a total market turnover of more than Rs 3.36 billion. Among the 13 market groups, only three ended in green while the rest closed lower. The hydro sector saw the largest drop, down 1.71%, followed by declines in banking, development banks, finance, hotels, insurance, microfinance, and non-life insurance sectors.
Market experts say political uncertainty affected trading. Chotelal Rauniyar, vice president of Nepal Investor Forum, said some investors are waiting and watching before making big moves. He added that the end-of-Ashwin effect and upcoming festivals may also be affecting market activity.
In terms of company performance, Nepal Reinsurance had the highest turnover, trading shares worth over Rs 32.7 million. Himalayan Reinsurance followed with Rs 16.9 million, CEDB Holdings Rs 12.68 million, Union Hydropower Rs 10.18 million, and Shivam Cement Rs 8.78 million.
Some companies gained significantly today. Crest Micro Life shares rose 5.86%, Bindhyabasini Hydropower 5.31%, and Super Mai Hydropower 4.84%. On the other hand, Social Microfinance fell 10%, Community Microfinance 7.54%, Mai Khola Hydropower 6.72%, and Asian Hydropower 6.18%. Shubham Power and Rural Development Microfinance even hit the upper circuit today.
Experts say the market remains uncertain and investors should watch carefully, especially with political changes and major festivals approaching.
