NEPSE extends decline for second session

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) ended the week in the red, extending its losses for a second consecutive trading session as the benchmark index slipped 11.37 points to close at 2,755.41 on Friday.

Although the market remained under pressure, investor participation improved significantly. Total turnover rose to NRs 5.62 billion from NRs 4.70 billion recorded in the previous session, reflecting sustained trading interest despite the market's downward trend.

A total of 351 securities were traded through 55,467 transactions, with more than 12.73 million shares changing hands during the session.

Most sectoral indices ended lower, with only Finance, Hotel and Tourism, Mutual Fund, and Non-Life Insurance sectors posting gains. The Finance index emerged as the top performer, advancing 2.77 percent.

Market breadth remained negative, with share prices of 184 companies declining compared to gains in 74 companies. Forest Inn Hotel recorded the steepest loss of the day, with its stock price falling 4.22 percent.

On the gaining side, Kalinchowk Hydropower continued its rally, hitting the positive circuit limit for another consecutive session. The company's share price surged Rs 98.80 to close at NRs 757.60. Upakar Laghubitta Financial Institution also gained more than 9.5%.

In terms of turnover, Ankhu Khola Hydropower led the market with transactions worth NRs 556.9 million. City Hotel followed with turnover of NRs 195.9 million, while the 10.25% NBBL Debenture 2085 generated trading worth over NRs 185 million.

Of the 13 sectoral indices, four advanced while nine declined, highlighting continued weakness across the broader market despite pockets of buying interest.

Weekly market wrap
NEPSE concluded the week at 2,755.41 points after witnessing volatile trading throughout the week. The benchmark index closed at 2,782.10 last week, which means it lost nearly 27 points this week.

Similarly, weekly turnover remained stable, standing at around NRs 5 billion this week, comparable to the same level recorded last week.