KATHMANDU: Economic Digest offers a concise yet comprehensive overview of significant business happenings in Nepal, presented in easily digestible summaries.
The NEPSE Index on Monday dropped by 0.47%, closing at 2,676.15, continuing a downward trend from the previous session.
Despite intraday fluctuations, with a low of 2,662.36 and a high of 2,709.58, market activity remained volatile.
The day’s turnover was Rs. 5.62 billion, with 11.5 million shares traded across 317 companies, led by NRN.
Meanwhile, Finance Minister Paudel met with U.S. Assistant Secretary Donald Lu to discuss strengthening economic ties, particularly through MCC and USAID projects.
Gold prices rose by Rs. 400 per tola, while Himalayan Distillery announced a 20% dividend, and life insurance companies accumulated Rs 53.39 billion in premiums by the end of Kartik.
NEPSE index drops 0.47 percent
The NEPSE Index witnessed a slight decline of 0.47%, closing at 2,676.15, continuing a downward trend following a drop of 45.93 points in the prior session.
Despite fluctuations throughout the day, with the index reaching an intraday low of 2,662.36 and a high of 2,709.58, the market remained relatively volatile.
The day’s turnover amounted to Rs. 5.62 billion, with over 11.5 million shares traded across 317 companies.
Notably, NRN led the turnover, indicating strong interest in certain stocks. This decline suggests cautious investor sentiment amid market uncertainties.
Finance Minister Poudel and Donald Lu discuss bilateral economic cooperation
In a meeting between Nepal’s Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel and U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Donald Lu, on Monday, key discussions focused on strengthening bilateral economic ties, particularly through the implementation of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and USAID-funded projects.
Both sides explored opportunities to boost private sector investment, with Lu highlighting the potential for greater engagement from the U.S. Development Finance Corporation (DFC).
Paudel emphasized Nepal’s commitment to economic development, citing the country’s political stability as a favorable environment for investment.
Lu praised Nepal’s resilience and economic progress amidst regional challenges, offering continued U.S. support.
This dialogue reflects the growing importance of U.S.-Nepal cooperation in fostering sustainable economic growth and development in Nepal.
Gold price up by Rs 400 per tola today
The price of gold increased by Rs 400 per tola, reaching Rs 150,100 on Monday, after experiencing significant fluctuations over the past week.
Gold prices had dropped by Rs 400 per tola on Sunday and by Rs 600 per tola on Friday, resulting in an overall decline of Rs 18,500 per tola in just two days.
Despite these recent price movements, silver prices have remained stable at Rs 1,865 per tola.
The volatility in gold prices follows the government’s recent decision to reduce customs duties, which has had a direct impact on precious metal pricing.
Himalayan Distillery Limited announces 20% dividend
Himalayan Distillery Limited (HDL) announced a 20% dividend for the fiscal year 2080/81.
The company’s board of directors, in a meeting held on 23rd Mangsir 2081, proposed a 15% bonus share and a 5% cash dividend (including tax) from the company’s profits for the fiscal year.
The 24th Annual General Meeting (AGM) has been scheduled for 28th Poush 2081.
The book closure for the dividend and AGM will take place on 19th Poush 2081, meaning that shareholders registered by 18th Poush will be eligible to receive the dividend and participate in the AGM.
Life Insurance sector collects Rs 53.39 billion in premiums
Insurance companies are intensifying their efforts to boost premium collections.
As of the end of the Nepali month of Kartik in the fiscal year 2081/82, life insurance companies had accumulated a total premium of Rs 53.39 Arba, covering 13,349,157 active policies.
According to a report from the Nepal Insurance Authority, Nepal Life Insurance Company Limited was the top performer, collecting Rs 15.4 billion from 1,662,403 active policies by the end of Nepali month of Kartik.
Notably, Reliable Nepal Life Insurance Company Ltd. had the highest number of active policies—2,514,187—but generated only Rs 1.55 billion in premiums during the same period.
(Prepared by Srija Khanal)
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