NEPSE slips 12.36 points as broad market decline erases early gains

Nepal’s stock market closed lower on Thursday despite a strong opening, with most sector indices ending in negative territory. Trading turnover improved slightly to NRs 3.9 billion, while hydropower stocks saw sharp swings.

-the_farsight | May 21, 2026, 6:42 p.m.

The stock market reversed course on Thursday, with the benchmark NEPSE index falling 12.36 points to close at 2,742.11 amid widespread losses across sectors.

The market opened on a positive note and briefly climbed to 2,763 points within the first 15 minutes of trading. However, selling pressure later dragged the index lower, erasing gains from the previous session when the market had surged more than 30 points.

Only the mutual fund and trading sectors managed to post gains, while the remaining sectoral indices ended in the red.

Out of the traded companies, 188 recorded declines, 72 advanced and nine remained unchanged. Upper Lohore Khola Hydropower was the day’s biggest loser, with its share price plunging 14.95% to NRs 477.30. Jhapa Energy also saw heavy losses, dropping 8.12%.

On the upside, Prabhu Bank Debenture gained 6.62%, while Bungal Hydro rose 6.18%.

Daily turnover improved slightly compared to Wednesday, reaching NRs 3.9 billion. More than 8.95 million shares of 348 securities were traded during the session.

Aankhu Khola Hydropower led the market in turnover with transactions worth NRs 177.2 million, followed by Ridi Power at NRs 150.7 million.

The latest decline highlights continued volatility in Nepal’s secondary market, with investors appearing cautious despite recent bullish momentum.