In recent weeks, the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) has witnessed a substantial upward trend, particularly following the first quarterly monetary policy review on Mangir 22. Over the past eight trading days, the NEPSE Index has notably risen from the 1800 levels to the 2100 levels, marking a significant gain of 253.68 points.
This surge is attributed to the revision in the risk weight assigned to real estate by banks and financial institutions. The risk weight for all types of real estate held by these entities has been reduced, instilling increased confidence among investors. Notably, the risk associated with share mortgage loans exceeding Rs. 50 lakh has also been lowered, further stimulating market sentiments.
The recent adjustments in interest rates, as outlined in the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) monetary policy review, have also played a pivotal role in the NEPSE surge. Reductions in the bank rate, policy rate, and adjustments in deposit collection rates have contributed to a favorable economic environment, fostering investor optimism.
Another contributing factor is the decrease in the Credit-Deposit (CD) ratio to 79, triggering a sense of Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) among investors. This sentiment has driven a surge in market activity as investors seek to capitalize on potential buying opportunities.
Examining the one-month performance of the NEPSE Index and its sub-indices reveals a robust increase of 13.65%, accompanied by a remarkable 401.24% positive change in turnover values. Notably, the Hotels and Tourism Index experienced the most substantial positive shift, surging by 23.64%. Other sectors such as Hydropower, Investment, and Life Insurance also witnessed significant upswings.
Delving into the sector-wise performance of the top five companies in each sector that exhibited the most substantial gains over the past month provides a comprehensive overview of the market dynamics.
In the Banking Index, Everest Bank emerged as the frontrunner with a surge of 18.21%, reflecting positive shifts in the banking sector. Similarly, Karnali Development Bank led the Development Bank Index with a remarkable upswing of 35.67%. In the Finance Companies sector, Reliance Finance took the lead with a surge of 28.23%.
City Hotels showcased a noteworthy surge of 34.06% in the Hotels and Tourism Index, emphasizing the resilience and growth potential within the hospitality sector. Molung Hydropower Company led the Hydropower Index with a remarkable surge of 96.37%, underlining the positive momentum in the hydropower industry.
Hathway Investment, a newly listed company in the Investment Index, demonstrated an exceptional surge of 131.18%, showcasing the potential of newly listed entities. Reliable Nepal Life Insurance Company led the Life Insurance Index with a notable surge of 42.17%.
In the Manufacturing and Processing Index, Bottlers Nepal Limited (Terai) exhibited an impressive surge of 94.85%, underscoring growth in the manufacturing sector. Samaj Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha demonstrated an extraordinary surge of 751.78% in the Microfinance Index.
Citizens Mutual Fund 2 showcased the highest surge in the Mutual Fund category, marking an impressive increase of 19.71%. Sanima GIC Insurance took the lead in the Non-Life Insurance Index with a surge of 34.69%.
Nepal Republic Media exhibited the highest surge in the Others Index, emphasizing positive shifts in media companies. Salt Trading Company led the Trading Index with a growth of 10%.
These performance indicators across various sectors underscore the dynamic nature of the Nepalese stock market, reflecting positive investor sentiment and market activity.
