KATHMANDU: Economic Digest offers a concise yet comprehensive overview of significant business happenings in Nepal, presented in easily digestible summaries.
On Wednesday, the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) Index rose by 49.18 points (1.99%) to close at 2,519.57, rebounding from a previous decline.
The trading session saw 327 scrips exchanged across 69,418 transactions, with a turnover of Rs. 4.81 billion, reflecting strong investor interest.
In related news, gold prices reached a new high, climbing Rs. 700 to Rs. 160,400 per tola, while silver increased by Rs. 40 to Rs. 1,955 per tola.
The Asian Development Bank projected Nepal’s economy to grow by 4.9% in 2025, driven by improvements in domestic services and tourism.
Additionally, the Nepal Airlines Corporation announced it would start selling international tickets from cities outside Kathmandu to enhance passenger convenience.
Meanwhile, Energy Minister Dipak Khadka emphasized the government’s commitment to empower marginalized communities through hydropower development, ensuring they benefit from local shares.
NEPSE up by 49.18 points; closes at 2,519.57
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) Index on Wednesday experienced an increase of 49.18 points (1.99%), finishing the day at 2,519.57 after a decline of 58.93 points in the previous session.
The index saw fluctuations during the day, opening at 2,473.06 points, hitting an intraday low of 2,443.28, and briefly dipping to 2,519.97 before closing.
During the trading session, 327 scrips were exchanged across 69,418 transactions, totaling a volume of 12,498,989 shares and generating a turnover of Rs. 4.81 billion.
The recent performance of NEPSE showed a notable rebound after a prior decline. This level of activity suggests robust investor interest and engagement, which is a positive sign for market sentiment.
Overall, the rise in the NEPSE Index, combined with strong trading volumes, indicates a potential shift toward positive investor confidence.
Gold price sets new record on Wednesday
A new record was set for gold prices in the Nepalese market on Wednesday.
According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Traders, the price of fine gold surged by Rs 700 to reach Rs 160,400 rupees per tola.
This marked an increase from Tuesday’s trading price of Rs 159,700 per tola.
Silver prices also increased, with the Federation reporting an increase of Rs 40 per tola, bringing the current price to Rs 1,955 per tola.
Nepal’s economy projected to grow by 4.9 percent in 2025: ADB
According to Asian Development Outlook report from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Nepal’s economy is expected to expand by 4.9 percent in 2025, an increase from an estimated growth of 3.9 percent in 2024.
This anticipated growth is fueled by several factors, including a gradual rebound in domestic services, increased investment in infrastructure, and a further recovery in the tourism sector.
ADB Country Director for Nepal, Arnaud Cauchois, noted, “Gross domestic product growth will pick up as domestic demand recovers, infrastructure projects accelerate, and tourism continues to expand.”
NAC to sell int’l tickets from cities outside Kathmandu
Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) has decided to sell international flight tickets from the cities outside Kathmandu – Biratnagar, Pokhara and Nepalgunj.
The Corporation has arranged ticket sales from those cities for the convenience of the passengers in the wake of major festivals like Dashain, Tihar and Chhath.
Earlier, the NAC was selling tickets for international flights only from the corporation’s office at Bhairahawa outside Kathmandu.
According to the Corporation’s spokesperson, Ramesh Paudel, arrangements would be made to distribute tickets from Biratnagar, Pokhara and Nepalgunj offices even after the festivals.
Govt at work for public empowerment thru hydropower development: Energy Minister Khadka
Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, Dipak Khadka, has said the government was at work to empower the poor and marginalized people through the development of hydropower.
Minister Khadka informed that the government was making efforts to ensure hydropower shares to the poor and marginalized people.
“There is a provision of 10 percent hydropower share to the locals, but the poor and marginalized communities have not been ensured it yet. Their access to this provision should be materialized so that their life standard would be elevated,” he stressed.
(Prepared by Srija Khanal)
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