NEPSE falls by double digits, trading volume slumps

The stock market extended its losses on Thursday, with the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index falling 13.46 points, or 0.48%, to close at 2,766.78.

The decline was accompanied by a drop in trading activity, as daily turnover fell to NRs 4.70 billion from NRs 5.73 billion recorded on Wednesday. The market had jumped by 22.21 points on Tuesday, followed by 2.66 points on Wednesday. 

A total of 106.17 million shares of 353 listed securities changed hands during the session.

Of the 13 sectoral indices, only the mutual fund subgroup ended in positive territory, while the remaining 12 sectors closed lower. The trading sector posted the steepest decline, falling 1.71%.

Market breadth remained negative, with share prices of 198 companies declining, compared to gains in 63 companies. Eight companies closed unchanged.

Kalinchok Hydropower emerged as the day's top gainer, hitting the positive circuit limit with a 14.99% rise to NRs 658.80 per share. Nyadi Hydropower also posted strong gains, climbing 9.16% to NRs 429.

On the losing side, SBL Debenture recorded the sharpest decline, dropping 10.48% to NRs 1,075.10 per unit. Vijaya Laghubitta also fell 4.69%.

In terms of turnover, Everest Bank Debenture led the market with transactions worth NRs 340.1 million. Ankhu Khola Jalvidhyut followed with NRs 320.5 million in trades, while Central Finance recorded turnover of NRs 185.2 million.

The broad-based decline across sectors and reduced trading activity reflected a cautious mood among investors, ending the week's trading session on a weaker note.