KATHMANDU: Economic Digest offers a concise yet comprehensive overview of significant business happenings in Nepal, presented in easily digestible summaries.
The NEPSE index on Thursday experienced a notable decline of 31.43 points, reflecting a 1.19% drop, with a total trading volume of Rs. 4.76 billion across 310 companies, signaling a cautious market sentiment.
Meanwhile, gold and silver prices also saw decreases, with gold dropping to Rs. 149,000 per tola, pointing to a broader trend of declining commodity prices.
On the corporate front, Butwal Power Company (BPC) and Sarbottam Cement announced dividends for FY 2080/81, with BPC offering a 5% cash dividend and Sarbottam Cement proposing a 10% dividend, indicating stable financial health within these companies.
In the tourism sector, Chitwan National Park (CNP) saw foreign tourists surpassing domestic visitors for the first time, underscoring a growing international interest in Nepal’s natural attractions.
Additionally, the Hetauda industrial corridor is thriving with 127 diverse industries, showcasing a robust industrial base in the region, which includes both local and multinational companies.
These developments reflect a mixed yet dynamic economic environment in Nepal, with fluctuations in market performance, positive corporate announcements, and expanding industrial and tourism sectors.
NEPSE index falls by 31.43 points to close at 2,596.82 levels
The NEPSE index dropped by 31.43 points (1.19%) to close at 2,596.82 on Thursday, following a slight decline of 5.60 points in the previous session.
The market opened at 2,626.62 and experienced fluctuations, peaking at 2,634.57 and dipping to a low of 2,593.18 during the day.
Total trading volume reached Rs. 4.76 billion, with 55,989 transactions involving 9,832,308 shares from 310 companies.
Gold price drops to Rs.149,000 per tola on Thursday
The price of gold dropped by Rs 1,700 per tola on Thursday.
Gold was traded at Rs 149,000 per tola marking a decrease from Wednesday’s price of Rs 150,700 per tola.
In a similar trend, the price of silver also fell, with its rate at Rs 1,780 per tola.
BPC announces 5% cash dividend for FY 2080/81
Butwal Power Company (BPC) has announced a 5% cash dividend for the fiscal year 2080/81.
The company has also scheduled its 32nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) for Poush 28, 2081 in Kathmandu.
The decision to distribute the 5% cash dividend was made by the board of directors on Poush 03, based on the company’s paid-up capital of Rs. 3.40 billion.
The book closure date for the dividend and AGM is set for 18th Poush, 2081. As of the last trading day, BPCL’s stock closed at Rs. 392.00.
Sarbottam Cement proposes 10% dividend
Sarbottam Cement Limited has proposed a 10% dividend for the fiscal year 2080/81 and announced its 6th Annual General Meeting (AGM) for Poush 26, 2081 in Bhairahawa, Rupandehi.
The proposed dividend includes a 3% cash dividend totaling Rs. 13.95 crores (after tax) and 7% bonus shares valued at Rs. 32.55 crores, based on the company’s paid-up capital of Rs. 4.65 billion.
As of the last trading session, SARBTM’s stock closed at Rs. 759.80.
Foreign tourists surpass domestic visitors at CNP
The recent influx of tourists to Chitwan National Park (CNP) marks a notable shift in visitor demographics, with foreign tourists surpassing domestic visitors in numbers.
Between mid-July and mid-December of the current fiscal year, CNP welcomed a total of 72,461 visitors, generating over Rs 100 million in revenue.
Of these, 33,730 were foreign tourists, outnumbering the 32,880 domestic visitors. This trend highlights the park’s growing international appeal, potentially driven by increased global tourism to Nepal.
Furthermore, the park has been actively involved in wildlife conservation efforts, including the release of 41 gharial crocodiles into the Rapti River, underscoring its dual role in both tourism and ecological preservation.
127 industries being operated in Hetauda industrial corridor
A total of 127 industries of different nature, including multinational companies are being operated in Hetauda industrial corridor in Makwanpur.
Among the major industries established in the corridor are Food Industries Pvt Ltd, United Brewery Pvt Ltd, Nepal Biscuit Company, Nepal Soap Industry, Animal Feed Production Processing Industry, NepalPole Production Pvt Ltd and Wood Furniture.
Similarly, Gorkhalari Cigarette Industry Pvt Ltd, Hetauda Milk Distribution Project, Nepal Tea Leaf Industry Pvt Ltd, Nepal Edible Oil Production Industry, Nepal Cartoon Udyog Pvt Ltd, Nepal Bottlers Udyog Pvt Ltd and Nepal Wine Production Industries Pvt Ltd are also in operation in the corridor.
(Prepared by Srija Khanal)
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