NEPSE extends losing streak as turnover falls sharply

The stock market extended its losing streak to a fourth consecutive trading day on Thursday, as the NEPSE index fell 8.50 points to close at 2,651.52.

Trading activity also weakened sharply, with daily turnover declining to NRs 2.84 billion from NRs 4.41 billion in the previous session. The day's turnover was the lowest recorded in nearly six weeks, reflecting subdued investor participation.

A total of 6.48 million shares of 338 listed securities were traded during the session. Share prices of 83 companies advanced, while 172 declined and 19 remained unchanged.

Recently listed hydropower firms Taksar Pikhuwa Khola Hydropower and Yambaling Hydropower led the gainers, each surging by the maximum 14.99% to NPR 524.60 per share.

Bhujung Hydropower was the biggest loser of the day, dropping 11.03%, followed by CYC Nepal Laghubitta, which declined 8.97%.

Sopan Pharmaceuticals recorded the highest turnover, with shares worth approximately NPR 126.6 million traded during the session. Reliance Spinning Mills followed closely with turnover exceeding NPR 120 million.

Among sectoral indices, only the Manufacturing and Processing sector posted gains, edging up 0.14%. The Trading sector suffered the steepest decline, falling 1.96%, while all other major sectors closed lower.

The latest decline has pushed the benchmark index to its lowest level since mid-February, with NEPSE losing about 135 points over the past month amid weakening market sentiment and declining trading activity. Likewise, daily turnover has fallen to its lowest level in roughly one and a half months.