NEPSE posts modest gain as turnover declines

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index inched up on Monday, gaining 5.01 points to close at 2,936.56, despite a notable drop in trading volume.

Total market turnover fell sharply to NRs 15.79 billion, down from NRs 23.60 billion recorded in the previous session on Sunday.

A total of 38.07 million shares of 342 listed companies changed hands during the day. Market breadth remained negative, with 154 stocks declining, 102 advancing, and eight remaining unchanged.

Six companies hit the positive circuit limit, including Salpa Bikas Bank, Reliance Spinning Mills, Solu Hydropower, and Bhujung Hydropower, each surging by 10%. Manakamana Engineering Hydropower and Hotel Forest Inn also posted strong gains of 9.96%.

On the downside, Sunrise First Mutual Fund recorded the steepest loss.

Kumari Bank Limited led the market in terms of turnover, followed by Shivam Cements.

Sector-wise, seven of the 13 indices closed higher, while six declined. The manufacturing and processing sector posted the highest gain of 1.53%.

The market showed early volatility, with the index dropping to 2,908 within the first 15 minutes of trading before recovering to end the session in positive territory.

The modest gain follows a strong rally on Sunday, when the NEPSE index surged by 54.55 points.