NEPSE extends recovery with 15.44-point gain

The benchmark stock index extended its recovery for a second consecutive session on Wednesday, rising 15.44 points, or 0.61%, to close at 2,538.11.

The gain follows a 9.24-point increase on Tuesday, when the NEPSE ended a six-session losing streak. The index traded between an intraday high of 2,538.18 and a low of 2,513.35.

Trading activity also picked up slightly. Turnover increased to NRs 2.94 billion from NRs 2.90 billion in the previous session. A total of 7.27 million shares of 354 securities changed hands, compared with 7.61 million shares previously.

Market breadth was positive, with 193 companies advancing, 75 declining and 10 closing unchanged. Total market capitalization rose to NRs 4.37 trillion from NRs 4.34 trillion.

Hydropower leads sectoral gains

The hydropower index led the market, climbing 0.95%, offering some relief to investors after recent flood-related damage to several hydropower projects in Rasuwa, Nuwakot and surrounding areas.

The finance index gained 0.91%, banking 0.73%, trading 0.72%, development banks 0.59%, manufacturing and processing 0.48%, investment 0.44%, microfinance 0.43%, others 0.80%, hotels and tourism 0.30%, and life insurance 0.09%.

The non-life insurance index slipped 0.07%, while the mutual fund index declined 0.09%.

Upkar Laghubitta tops gainers

Upkar Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha was the day’s biggest gainer, surging 11.87% to NRs 2,790 per share, an increase of NRs 296.

Upper Mailung Khola Hydropower gained 10.23% to NRs 381.40. The company is among the hydropower projects affected by recent flooding, making its rebound notable amid the broader recovery in the hydropower sector.

At the other end, NMB Energy Bond was the biggest decliner, falling 5.81% to NRs 941 per bond. RBB Mutual Fund 2 dropped 4.33% to NRs 9.28 per unit.

Sanima Middle Tamor leads turnover
Sanima Middle Tamor Hydropower recorded the highest turnover, with shares worth NRs 141.7 million changing hands. Its share price rose 1.82% to NRs 504.

NRN Infrastructure and Development ranked second, recording turnover of NRs 126.4 million at NRs 1,410 per share.

The two days market action suggests selling pressure may be easing after the recent downturn, indicating a potential reversal following a decline, although it does not by itself confirm a sustained uptrend.