Nepse slips back into the red; turnover falls to Rs 3.41 billion

KATHMANDU: The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index returned to losing ways on Thursday, shedding 5.06 points to close trading at 2,700.47.

The decline came a day after the benchmark index had snapped a four-day losing streak with a marginal gain of 0.08 points. Earlier, the market had ended a four-session slump on June 10 with a modest rise of 2.57 points. However, the index resumed its downward trajectory in the following days.

Although the index posted gains during early trading, hitting an intraday high of 2,709.11 points, it soon lost momentum and fell below the psychological support level of 2,600 points. The index fluctuated throughout the session but pared some losses towards the close to ensure that it stayed above the 2,700-point level.

Unit prices of 181 scrips declined during the session, while 77 advanced and 14 remained unchanged. Total turnover fell to Rs 3.41 billion with 7.74 million units traded through 41,104 transactions.

Among individual stocks, Apollo Hydropower Ltd continued its gaining streak with a 15% positive circuit. Next were Sopan Pharmaceuticals Ltd and Aatmanirbhar Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Ltd with gains of 14.99% and 12.53%, respectively. On the other hand, 10% Prabhu Bank Debenture 2084 posted the biggest loss of 5.54%. Likewise, Ankhukhola Jalvidyut Company Ltd topped the turnover chart with total transactions of Rs 319.84 million. United Modi Hydropower Ltd and CEDB Holdings Ltd followed with turnovers of Rs 230.58 million and Rs 140.85 million, respectively.

Eight sub-indices ended the session in the red, while the remaining five posted modest gains. The Others sub-index posted the biggest loss of 0.86%. On the other hand, the Trading sub-index registered the biggest gain of 0.31%.