NEPSE drops 5.54 points to 2,635 despite higher turnover

KATHMANDU: The benchmark Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index slipped by 5.54 points on Monday, closing at 2,635 points.

Despite the decline in the index, trading activity improved. The total turnover increased to Rs 6.47 billion, up from Rs 4.90 billion recorded in the previous session, indicating higher investor participation in the market.

Out of the traded stocks, prices of 75 companies advanced, while 178 declined and seven remained unchanged, showing that selling pressure dominated most of the session.

Among the sectoral indices, the Manufacturing and Processing group posted the highest gain, rising by 1.02 percent. The Development Bank index edged up by 0.02 percent, while the Hotels and Tourism sector gained 0.10 percent.

On the losing side, the Trading group fell the most, shedding 1.16 percent. Banking declined by 0.25 percent, Finance by 0.53 percent, Hydropower by 0.11 percent and Investment by 0.42 percent. Life Insurance slipped by 0.18 percent, Microfinance by 0.66 percent and Non-life Insurance by 0.14 percent. The Others group also declined by 0.29 percent.

The mixed sectoral performance, combined with a higher turnover, reflects cautious trading as investors adjusted their positions amid ongoing market fluctuations.