KATHMANDU: Economic Digest offers a concise yet comprehensive overview of significant business happenings in Nepal, presented in easily digestible summaries.
The text highlights significant economic updates in Nepal, including developments in the stock market, foreign direct investment (FDI), and the commodity market.
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) rebounded with a gain of 19.56 points, closing at 2,698.03, indicating a positive shift after a previous loss.
Meanwhile, FDI commitments increased by 18.34%, reflecting growth in foreign investments in the country, with a substantial portion of the funds coming through the manual process.
On the commodity front, gold prices saw a sharp decline of Rs 2,700 per tola, following a brief rise, while silver prices also decreased.
In other news, the Hetauda Cement Industry continues to face a financial crisis, affecting its production, while agricultural progress is seen with the export of carrots and beetroots to Germany, and the distribution of apple seedlings to farmers in Dolpa as part of a modernization project.
These developments illustrate a mix of positive growth, challenges, and agricultural initiatives contributing to Nepal’s economy.
NEPSE rebounds with a notable gain
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) on Sunday saw a solid rebound today, gaining 19.56 points (0.73%) to close at 2,698.03, following a loss of 7.26 points in the previous session.
The trading day began at 2,676.92, with the index fluctuating between a high of 2,698.31 and a low of 2,675.90.
The total turnover for the day was Rs. 9.47 billion, with 20,984,440 shares traded across 309 companies through 96,282 transactions.
FDI commitments increase by 18.34% in first seven months
Foreign direct investment (FDI) commitments in Nepal have reached Rs 26.84 billion in the first seven months of the current fiscal year, reflecting an 18.34% increase compared to the same period in FY 2023/24.
According to the Department of Industry (DoI), this growth represents an additional Rs 4.16 billion, with FDI commitments rising from Rs 22.68 billion last fiscal year to Rs 26.84 billion this year.
Of the total amount, Rs 2.67 billion was pledged through the automatic route, while Rs 24.17 billion came through the manual process.
Gold price falls by Rs 2,700 per tola
Gold prices, which saw a slight uptick on Friday, experienced a significant drop today, with silver also becoming more affordable.
Gold, which had increased by four hundred rupees per tola on Friday, fell sharply by two thousand seven hundred rupees per tola today, according to the Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers Federation.
The price of gold stood at one lakh sixty-seven thousand five hundred rupees per tola.
Silver was traded at one thousand nine hundred fifty-five rupees per tola.
Economic crisis plagues Hetauda Cement Industry
The Hetauda Cement Industry (HCI) has faced deepening financial crisis, causing adverse impact on production.
HCI management had shut down the factory since October 1, 2024, reasoning the need for repairing machines.
Although it was expected to complete maintenance and resume production from mid November, the administration argued it took more time for repair.
Nepali carrot and beetroot exported to Germany
Carrots and beetroot produced in Bharatpur Metropolitan City-15 Shreepur in the district have started to be exported to Germany. It is shared that 100 tons of beetroot planted in 12 bags and 150 tons of carrots have started to be exported to Germany.
Apple seedlings distributed to farmers in Dolpa
The Prime Minister Agriculture Modernization Project has distributed apple seedlings to the farmers of different municipalities in the district.
Six agriculture firms and cooperatives combined were provided 12,600 saplings in 50 percent grant.
The firms were selected after calling a proposal under the project for the expansion of apple zone.
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