NEPSE gains nearly 60 points this week as turnover surges 51%

The stock market witnessed a slight correction on Friday, ending its three-day winning streak as investors booked profits following recent gains. Despite the decline in the benchmark index, market turnover climbed to its highest level in nearly seven months.

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index dropped 5.45 points to close at 2,690.15. During the session, the index had climbed to an intraday high of 2,712 before losing momentum and falling below the 2,700-point threshold.

This week, the market gained almost 60 points, while weekly turnover surged to NRs 34.72 billion from NRs 22.94 billion in the previous week, marking a significant increase of 51.35%. The rise in both the benchmark index and trading turnover indicates improved market activity and stronger investor participation during the week.

Trading activity on Friday remained strong, with total turnover reaching NRs 8.89 billion. This marked the highest transaction volume since April 16, when shares worth NRs 9.31 billion were traded. Thursday’s turnover stood at approximately NRs 8.57 billion.

A total of 22.86 million shares of 348 securities changed hands during Friday’s session. Share prices of 102 companies advanced, while 169 declined and eight remained unchanged.

Benni Hydropower Project emerged as the top gainer, with its share price rising 14.99%. Swabhiman Laghubitta followed with a 12.11% gain, while Lumbini Bikas Bank advanced 7%.

Menchhiyam Hydropower recorded the steepest loss, falling 4.08%, while Super Khudi Hydropower declined 3.78%.

In terms of turnover, Lumbini Bikas Bank topped the list with transactions worth NRs 384.8 million at NRs 550 per share. Shivam Cement ranked second with NRs 303.9 million in turnover, followed by Ghalemdi Hydropower at NRs 279.7 million.

Of the 13 sectoral indices, five posted gains, while eight ended in negative territory. The Development Bank sector led the gainers, rising 1.61%. Non-life insurance, trading and other sectors also recorded modest increases.

Meanwhile, banking, finance, hotels and tourism, hydropower, investment, life insurance, manufacturing and microfinance indices closed lower.

Although the benchmark index retreated, the surge in turnover suggests that investor participation remained strong, with profit-booking contributing to the market's modest decline.