KATHMANDU: Economic Digest offers a concise yet comprehensive overview of significant business happenings in Nepal, presented in easily digestible summaries.
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) showed a modest gain of 4.19 points on Thursday, closing at 2,630.71, following a stable market sentiment reflected in the previous day’s rise.
Despite intraday fluctuations, the market ended positively, with a turnover of Rs. 5.32 billion from nearly 62,000 transactions.
Meanwhile, the Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) suspended trading of Karnali Development Bank due to its problematic status.
In other financial news, gold prices rose by Rs. 600 per tola, while petroleum exploration in Dailekh nears completion with significant progress.
Additionally, the Guardian Micro Life Insurance IPO opens for subscription, and Pokhara prepares for the International Dragon Boat Race 2024, marking significant developments in both the economy and tourism.
NEPSE closes at 2,630.71 with Rs. 5.32 billion in turnover
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) saw a modest gain of 4.19 points (0.15%) on Thursday, ending the session at 2,630.71.
This follows a previous day’s rise of 14.11 points, indicating stable market sentiment.
Opening at 2,625.44, the market experienced fluctuations throughout the day, peaking at 2,639.08 and dipping to 2,607.75 before closing in positive territory.
The day’s total turnover reached Rs. 5.32 billion, with 61,839 transactions involving 20,978,979 shares from 310 companies.
Karnali Development Bank’s trading suspended by SEBON
Karnali Development Bank Limited has had its trading suspended in the stock market.
The Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) issued a press release announcing the suspension, following a directive from Nepal Rastra Bank.
According to the letter dated December 25, 2024, the bank has been declared a problematic institution, resulting in the suspension of its Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer, with management now under the control of Nepal Rastra Bank.
Gold prices up by Rs 600
The price of gold incrsead on Thursday. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers Association, the price of gold increased by Rs 600 per tola, bringing the price to Rs 150,300 per tola.
This marked a rise from Wednesday’s price of Rs 149,700 per tola.
Meanwhile, the price of silver remained unchanged, with the association reporting that silver is being traded at Rs 1,800 per tola on Thursday.
Petroleum exploration in Dailekh nears completion
Petroleum exploration in Dailekh is nearing completion, with only 70 meters of drilling left to finish. The project, which began in May 2023 at the Jaljale area of Bhairabi rural municipality-1, is expected to wrap up within the month.
As of December 26, 3,930 meters of drilling have been completed, supported by a $2.5 billion grant from the Chinese government.
The exploration covers 45 ropanis of land in the area, and the successful completion of this phase signals significant progress in Dailekh’s petroleum and natural gas exploration initiatives.
Guardian Micro Life Insurance IPO
Guardian Micro Life Insurance Limited will offer 18,45,000 shares at Rs. 100 each in an IPO starting from 21st Poush, 2081.
The subscription period will close on 24th Poush, with an option to extend until 6th Magh, 2081 if not fully subscribed.
Out of the total 22,50,000 shares, 10% (2,25,000) are allocated to Nepalese citizens abroad, 3% (67,500) to employees, and 5% (1,12,500) to mutual funds. The remaining 18,45,000 shares are for the general public.
Kumari Capital Limited is managing the issue, with applications allowed for a minimum of 10 shares and a maximum of 1,00,000 shares.
Chartered aircraft from China arrives in Pokhara Airport
A chartered aircraft from China carrying officials, media personnel, and competitors for the upcoming International Dragon Boat Race 2024 landed at Pokhara International Airport at on Thursday.
The participants are set to compete in the second edition of the Dragon Boat Festival, which will kick off this Sunday.
A total of 20 teams are participating, including 11 from Nepal, 8 from China, and one from Singapore. The competition will feature two race distances: 200 meters and 500 meters.
(Prepared by Srija Khanal)
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