Kathmandu, September 18
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index fell by 4 points on Wednesday, closing at 2,576 points, marking the final trading day of the week. Despite the decline, the banking sector recorded notable growth, while overall market activity remained subdued.
The trading volume witnessed a significant drop, with transactions totalling Rs 5.66 billion, down from Rs 7.36 billion the previous day. This decline suggests a cautious approach from sellers as the market conditions shift. Out of the traded stocks, prices of 74 companies increased, while 163 saw a decline, and 7 remained unchanged.
Only two sectors showed positive movement, with the banking sector rising by 11 points and the non-life insurance sector increasing by 20 points. Other sectors, including development banks, finance, hydropower, life insurance, and manufacturing, experienced declines. The finance sector suffered the most, dropping by 83 points, followed by a 57-point decline in the manufacturing sector.
The banking sector, being a high-capital sector, significantly influenced the overall market. The growth in banking helped minimize the market’s decline, even as other sectors experienced losses.
Kalika Microfinance led the gainers with an 8 per cent increase in its stock price, followed by Sworojgar Microfinance (7.9 per cent), Rawa Energy (7.3 per cent), Bhugol Energy (7 per cent), and Supermai Hydropower (6 per cent).
On the other hand, Goodwill Finance saw a 6.7 per cent drop, while Atmanirbhar Microfinance, Samriddhi Finance, and Samaj Microfinance experienced losses of 6.3 per cent, 5.9 per cent, and 5.8 per cent, respectively. In terms of trading volume, CEEDB Hydropower, Nepal Finance, NLG Insurance, Sahas Urja, and Goodwill Finance were the top performers.
The market will remain closed on Thursday due to Constitution Day and will reopen on Sunday.
