KATHMANDU: Economic Digest offers a concise yet comprehensive overview of significant business happenings in Nepal, presented in easily digestible summaries.
The recent developments in Nepal’s financial and agricultural sectors show significant strides toward growth and stability.
The NEPSE index experienced a noteworthy increase, reflecting investor confidence and market activity, with a total turnover of Rs. 6.30 billion.
Additionally, Muktinath Mutual Fund 1’s official listing on the stock exchange marks a key milestone in expanding Nepal’s investment opportunities.
Meanwhile, the steady prices of gold and silver highlight market stability, while local initiatives, such as Baglung Municipality’s support for Sigana’s orange marketing and Tokha Bazaar’s preparation for Maghe Sankranti, illustrate a vibrant local economy driven by cultural and agricultural activities.
Furthermore, the Nepal Police’s successful revenue generation from various anti-crime operations demonstrates the effectiveness of enforcement efforts in maintaining economic order.
These developments collectively signal positive momentum for Nepal’s economy across diverse sectors.
NEPSE index sees notable increase of 49.12 points
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) on Monday extended its upward trend, rising by 49.12 points (1.89%) to close at 2,640.68, following a smaller gain of 5.32 points in the previous session.
Opening at 2,601.09, NEPSE saw some fluctuations throughout the day, reaching a peak of 2,640.73 and a low of 2,594.34.
The total turnover amounted to Rs. 6.30 billion, with 75,540 transactions involving 15,461,264 shares from 312 listed companies.
Gold price remains stable
The prices of gold and silver in the Nepali market remain stable on Monday.
According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers Association, the price of gold was traded at Rs 152,000 per tola.
Similarly, the price of silver also remained unchanged, with the value maintaining at Rs 1,810, the same as the previous day.
Public transport fare goes up
The Department of Transport Management has increased the fare of the public transport and cargo carriers.
Issuing a notice, the Department said the fare for inter-provincial public transport was increased by 3.3 percent and the fare of the cargo carriers was hiked by 0.81 percent in the hilly areas and 0.05 percent in Tarai.
The weightage of fuel is considered 35 percent, and 65 percent of other indicators to determine the fare of the public vehicle.
Muktinath Mutual Fund 1 Listed on Nepal Stock Exchange
The first mutual fund launched by Muktinath Bikas Bank Limited, Muktinath Mutual Fund 1, which is managed by Muktinath Capital Limited, has officially been listed on the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) as of January 6, 2025.
The fund consists of 12.5 crore units, each with a face value of Rs. 10, including a 15% contribution of seed capital.
The listing agreement was formalized during a signing ceremony by Krishna Bahadur Karki, Director and CEO of NEPSE, and Kabindra Dhoj Joshi, CEO of Muktinath Capital, marking an important milestone in the development of Nepal’s investment sector.
Tokha gears up to meet Chaku demand for Maghe Sankranti
Tokha Bazaar is bustling with activity as it prepares for the Maghe Sankranti festival.
Renowned for its Chaku, a traditional Nepali delicacy made from boiled molasses, spices, and dry fruits, Tokha becomes the hub of Chaku production during this festive season.
Maghe Sankranti, celebrated on the first day of the Nepali month Magh, will be observed this year on January 14.
Police collect Rs 2.24 billion more in revenue
Nepal Police has collected an additional Rs 2.24 billion in revenue from various operations during the first five months of the current fiscal year 2081-82 BS.
The police, implementing a special action plan, carried out several operations and campaigns aimed at preventing illegal activities.
According to Nepal Police Spokesperson Senior Superintendent of Police Bishwa Adhikari, the revenue was generated from operations across 10 different categories, including the seizure of illegal goods, traffic operations, and efforts targeting hundi, gold smuggling, and riverine mining.
Baglung Municipality supports orange marketing
Baglung Municipality has begun assisting in the marketing of oranges produced in Sigana.
The municipality has helped brand the oranges for fair pricing and greater recognition.
To promote the oranges, Baglung Municipality has partnered with the Ganesh Agricultural Cooperative in Ward No. 8 Sigana, facilitating packaging and marketing efforts.
The municipality has also produced a promotional cartoon titled ‘Sigana’s Juicy Oranges’ to support the initiative.
(Prepared by Srija Khanal)
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