Nepse gains 18.37 points; turnover at near two-month low

KATHMANDU: The Nepal Stock Exchange (Nepse) index extended its winning run on Tuesday, climbing 18.37 points, or 0.7%, to close at 2,619.99.

The benchmark index entered positive territory immediately after trading began and maintained the momentum until mid-session. Although it trimmed some gains thereafter, the market recovered as the session progressed and ended firmly higher.

Market breadth remained positive, with share prices of 187 listed companies advancing, while 61 declined and 11 remained unchanged.

However, investor participation weakened despite the rise in the index. Total turnover fell to Rs 3.29 billion, with 7.8 million units traded through 55,078 transactions. This marks the lowest daily turnover since October 26, when the market recorded a turnover of Rs 2.36 billion.

Sector-wise, all sub-indices posted gains except the Trading sub-index, which slipped marginally by 0.01%. Development Bank stocks led the market with a gain of 1.56%, followed by Hotels & Tourism and Others sub-indices, which rose by 1.49% and 1.15%, respectively.

Analysts say the combination of a rising index and declining turnover indicates cautious buying, with investors selectively accumulating stocks amid subdued overall trading activity.