KATHMANDU: The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index fell by double digits on Thursday, following a decline in share prices of 170 companies listed on the exchange.
After gaining 5 points on Wednesday, the NEPSE index dropped 17.53 points to close at 2,714.05 on Thursday. However, trading turnover improved compared to the previous day. The exchange reported over Rs 16 billion in total trades this week, with Thursday’s turnover rising to Rs 14.56 billion from Wednesday’s Rs 11 billion.
Market analysts suggest that some investors sold shares to raise funds ahead of the upcoming March 5 elections, contributing to the decline in share prices. Despite falling prices, increased trading volumes have encouraged investors to enter the market.
Among the companies traded on Thursday, 85 saw their share prices rise, 170 declined, and 7 remained unchanged.
Sector-wise, most indices fell: Banking down 6.57 points, Development Banks 131.81, Finance 45.83, Hotels 98.94, Life Insurance 84.08, Manufacturing 200.71, Microfinance 30.27, Non-life Insurance 76.83, Others 27.40, and Trading 6.71.
Only the Hydropower (13.77), Investment (0.05), and Mutual Fund (0.07) indices showed slight gains, which were insufficient to offset the overall market decline.
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