Strong Rally Ends the Week on a High Note

Kathmandu | The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index posted a robust gain of 26.49 points (0.98%) on Thursday, closing at 2,722.73. This marks one of the most active and positive sessions in recent weeks, with signs of growing investor confidence clearly visible in both market breadth and turnover. The index opened at 2,701.22, reached an intraday high of 2,740.13, and dipped to a low of 2,697.63 before closing firmly in positive territory.

Turnover Climbs as Participation Widens

Trading activity surged across the board, with 311 listed companies seeing movement during the session. Out of these, 187 stocks gained in value, while only 59 declined. For the first time in days, not a single stock remained unchanged — indicating an actively traded and decisive market.

Turnover rose significantly to Rs. 10.79 billion, up from Rs. 7.19 billion in the previous session. NEPSE also recorded over 90,000 transactions, signaling increased participation from both retail and institutional investors. Total market capitalization stood at Rs. 4.53 trillion, with float market cap at Rs. 1.51 trillion.

Sector Snapshot: Investment and Development Themes in Focus

Sectoral indices showed strength across nearly all categories, with only the Trading Index closing in the red. The biggest winners of the day were:

• Investment Index: +2.99%

• Development Bank Index: +1.35%

• Hydropower Index: +1.13%

These gains reflect strong interest in financial, infrastructure, and energy-related plays — sectors that have been attracting steady inflows from investors looking for long-term value.

Top Gainers: Microinsurance and Infrastructure Stocks Continue to Shine

Among today’s biggest gainers were Nepal Microinsurance Company (NMIC) and Crest Insurance (CREST), both hitting the upper price circuit with a 9.99% gain. These companies, still in their early trading days, continue to attract strong demand.

Other standout performers included:

• Hydroelectricity Investment and Development Company Ltd. (HIDCL): +6.82%

• Super Madi Hydrowpower (SMHL): +6.67%

• Corporate Development Bank Ltd. (CORBL): +5.84%

The mix of energy and financial stocks leading the charge points to a market tilted toward growth and dividends.

Losers of the Day

Despite the overall bullish sentiment, a few stocks faced selling pressure. NIC Asia Debenture dropped by 4.79%, while Bottlers Nepal (Balaju) declined by 4.46%. These losses appear stock-specific and do not reflect any major negative trend across sectors.

Turnover Leaders: Energy Plays Remain in the Spotlight

The stocks that contributed the most to today’s turnover included:

• Himalayan Power Partner

• NRN Infrastructure and Development

• HIDCL

• Ngadi Group Power Ltd. (NGPL)

• Radhi Hydropower

These scrips, especially from the hydropower and infrastructure sectors, dominated trading and underscored investor enthusiasm for long-term infrastructure projects.

Market Outlook: Momentum Builds Ahead of Resistance Levels

Today’s strong finish and sharp rise in turnover suggest that investor sentiment may be shifting toward a more bullish outlook. Renewed interest in energy, development finance, and newly listed stocks is pushing the market higher. If momentum continues, NEPSE could attempt to retest higher resistance levels in the coming days. However, market participants will continue watching macroeconomic cues and company earnings to guide their next moves.