NEPSE falls for fourth straight session, dips by 34 points, turnover declines

The stock market extended its losing streak on Monday, with the NEPSE index falling by 34.63 points to settle at 2,704.08. Although the market opened on a mildly positive note, it quickly reversed course and remained under sustained selling pressure throughout the session, marking the fourth consecutive day of decline.

Trading activity also weakened compared to the previous session. Total turnover fell to NRs 4.26 billion, down from NRs 4.91 billion, reflecting cautious investor sentiment and reduced market participation.

Market breadth remained firmly negative, with 240 listed companies witnessing declines, while only 27 advanced and 2 remained unchanged. Sector-wise, most indices closed lower, led by production and processing, hydropower, and development banks, all of which fell by more than 2%. The microfinance sector was the only group to post a marginal gain.

Among individual stocks, Forward Microfinance surged 15% to hit a positive circuit, emerging as the top gainer of the day, followed by Jhapa Energy, which rose 7.99%. On the losing side, Corporate Development Bank plunged 12.58%, while Mai Khola Hydropower declined 8.59%, making them the steepest losers.

In terms of turnover, NRN Infrastructure led the market with NRs 313.6 million worth of shares traded, despite a 3.33% drop in its price. It was followed by Reliance Spinning Mills with NRs 179.9 million in transactions. Other actively traded stocks included National Hydro, Ankhu Khola Hydropower, and NIC Asia Bank.

Overall, the session reflected continued bearish sentiment in the market, with widespread declines and weakening turnover pointing to investor caution.