NEPSE rises for second straight day

The stock market extended its gains for a second consecutive session on Thursday, with the NEPSE index climbing 8.78 points (0.33%) to close at 2,661.71, supported mainly by strong buying in banking stocks.

The market traded in negative territory for much of the day before recovering in the final 45 minutes of trading. Daily turnover also improved, rising to NRs 4.12 billion from NRs 3.86 billion in the previous session. A total of 8.96 million shares of 359 listed securities changed hands.

Despite the benchmark ending higher, market breadth remained weak. Share prices of 107 companies advanced, 153 declined, while 13 remained unchanged, as gains in large-cap banking stocks outweighed losses across much of the broader market.

The banking sub-index jumped 2.04%, making it the day's top-performing sector and the primary driver of the market's gains. Finance, life insurance and microfinance stocks also edged higher, while development banks, hydropower, hotels and tourism, manufacturing and processing, non-life insurance, investment, trading and other sectors closed lower.

Four stocks hit the 15% upper circuit limit: Upper Lohore Khola Hydropower, Kalanga Hydropower, Snow River Limited and Sanigad Hydropower.

On the downside, 10% NIC Asia Debenture 2085/86 was the biggest loser, falling 10.60% to NRs 1,130 per unit. Bhujung Hydropower declined 9.43%.

Laxmi Sunrise Bank recorded the highest turnover, with trades worth NRs 413.2 million, followed by 10% NIC Asia Debenture 2085/86 at NRs 407.7 million and Reliance Spinning Mills at NRs 252.9 million.

The latest gain follows Wednesday's rally, marking the market's second straight advance after seven consecutive losing sessions.

SEBON chief pledges more transparent, investor-friendly capital market

Newly appointed Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) Chairman Dr. Gopal Prasad Bhatt has pledged to make Nepal's capital market more transparent, credible, competitive and investor-friendly.

Speaking during a meeting with the Stock Brokers Association of Nepal, Bhatt said SEBON would take all necessary steps to strengthen and expand the capital market in line with the government's policy priorities and budget.

He emphasised closer coordination among regulators, brokers, listed companies and investors to support sustainable market development, while promising stronger investor protection, improved corporate governance and wider adoption of modern technology.

Stock Brokers Association President Sagar Dhakal said the association is ready to work closely with SEBON to strengthen investor confidence, support market expansion and advance policy and structural reforms. The discussions also covered the implementation of government capital market initiatives, development of new financial instruments, investor education and technology-driven services.