The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) Index surged 0.33%, or 9.14 points, on Thursday, July 3, to close at 2,703.96.

This marks the fifth consecutive day of gains–1.09% Sunday, 0.35% Monday, 1.02% Tuesday and 1.29% Wednesday.

Among major sub-indices, the Sensitive Index climbed 0.47%, the Float Index rose 0.55%, and the Sensitive Float Index advanced 0.53%. 

Daily turnover, however, dropped to Rs 9.64 billion from Rs 9.74 billion the previous day. It was Rs 7.12 billion Sunday, Rs 6.38 billion Monday and Rs 7.03 billion Tuesday.

Over 24.1 million shares were traded across 96,411 transactions, down from 30.1 million shares in 89,468 transactions on Wednesday.

Of the 247 listed companies traded, 122 advanced and 125 declined.

Nepal Finance Ltd (NFS) was the top gainer, climbing 9.98%. Its last traded price was Rs 694.20. 

Saptakoshi Development Bank Ltd (SAPDBL) became the biggest loser, hitting the lower circuit limit and closing at Rs 1,100.20 per share.

Butwal Power Co Ltd (BPCL) recorded the highest turnover at Rs 316.89 million, followed by Sahas Urja Ltd (SAHAS) at Rs 272.87 million and SAPDBL with at 262.85 million.

Five of 13 sectoral indices declined. The Finance Index led in gains with a 4.09% rise, while the Trading Index posted the steepest drop of 1.29%.

Total market capitalization increased to Rs 4,505.19 billion from Rs 4,489.96 billion the previous day.