The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) Index experienced a notable increase today, climbing 2.26% or 45.69 points, to close at 2,064.45 points. This surge follows a modest gain of 0.79 points in the previous session.
The market opened strong, with an initial gain of 26.04 points, marking a 1.29% rise during the pre-open session. The trading day began at 2,044.81 points and saw the index fluctuate, reaching an intraday high of 2,068.91 before dipping to a low of 2,028.07.
In a significant policy shift, the Central Bank announced an increase in the allowance for banks and financial institutions to sell up to 20% of their primary capital investments per fiscal year, up from the previous 1%. However, banks are now restricted from purchasing in the banking and financial institutions (BFIs) sector and can instead invest in sectors such as manufacturing and processing, life insurance, and non-life insurance.
The trading environment was vibrant, with 323 stocks exchanged in 74,991 transactions. The total volume of shares traded reached 12,240,802, resulting in a turnover of Rs. 5.25 Arba, the highest in 3.5 months. The last time turnover was this high was on 31st January 2024, at Rs. 5.29 Arba. The market capitalization stood at Rs. 32.73 Kharba, with a float market capitalization of Rs. 11.11 Kharba.
CEDB Hydropower Development Company Limited (CHDC) was the standout performer of the day, achieving a turnover of Rs. 14.80 Crore and closing at Rs. 836.30 per share.
On the other hand, Mandu Hydropower Limited (MANDU) faced a significant decline, dropping 9.99% to close at Rs. 869.50.
All sector indices closed in the green today. The “Life Insurance Index” recorded the highest gain of 4.38%, while the “Trading Index” saw the smallest increase of 0.55%.