NEPSE Turns Green, but Trading Activity Remains Subdued

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) closed in positive territory on Monday, December 15, snapping a two-week losing streak during which the benchmark had risen on only one trading day — a 0.28 percent gain last Tuesday.

The index advanced by 6.74 points, or 0.25 percent, to close at 2,601.61. It slipped to an intraday low of 2,587.23 before rebounding to a high of 2,602.89.

Monday’s session formed a green candlestick with a long lower wick and a short upper wick, signalling buying support at lower levels and an early attempt at recovery. However, subdued trading volume indicated that investor sentiment remains cautious.

Market breadth was positive, with 155 securities advancing, 94 declining and 10 remaining unchanged.

All three major sub-indices ended higher. The Sensitive Index rose 0.45 percent, the Float Index gained 0.35 percent, and the Sensitive Float Index climbed 0.51 percent.

Swastik Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (SWASTIK) topped the gainers, hitting the upper circuit with a 10 percent jump. SY Panel Nepal Limited (SYPNL) followed closely, rising 9.99 percent.

Him Star Urja Company Limited (HIMSTAR) recorded the steepest decline of the day, shedding 6.95 percent.

Despite the index’s rebound, overall trading activity weakened. Turnover dropped to Rs 3.44 billion, with 7.76 million shares traded through 56,122 transactions. On the previous trading day, over 11.2 million shares worth more than Rs 4.07 billion had changed hands.

Ngadi Group Power Ltd. (NGPL) led the turnover chart with Rs 142.56 million, followed by Laxmi Sunrise Bank Limited (LSL) and Nepal SBI Bank Limited (SBI).

Of the 13 sectoral indices, five closed lower. The Others index posted the largest decline at 0.17 percent. Mutual Fund and Hotels and Tourism indices each slipped 0.11 percent, while the Investment and Microfinance indices fell 0.08 percent each. Among the gainers, the Finance index led with a 0.90 percent rise.

Total market capitalisation increased to Rs 4,368.17 billion from Rs 4,356.84 billion on Sunday.