Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: The Nepal Stock Exchange (Nepse) index closed nearly unchanged on Thursday, the last trading day of the week, logging a nominal gain of 1.13 points.
The benchmark index opened in the negative territory and slipped to an intraday low of 2,530.56 points. However, a late-hour recovery ensured it closed slightly higher and ended the week on a positive note.
During the session, prices of 124 scrips declined, while 123 advanced and eight remained unchanged. Total market turnover dropped to Rs 3.49 billion, with 7.6 million shares exchanged through 50,621 transactions.
Himalayan Power Partners Ltd led the turnover chart, recording transactions worth Rs 168.04 million. Himalayan Distillery Ltd and Union Hydropower Ltd were next with turnovers of Rs 139.17 million and Rs 133.08 million, respectively.
Sector-wise, seven sub-indices ended in positive territory, while six closed lower. The Trading sub-index posted the biggest gain of 0.79%, whereas the Non-Life Insurance sub-index recorded the largest loss of 0.46%.
