NEPSE Inches Up, Broader Trend Still Weak

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index inched up 0.09 percent, or 2.71 points, to close at 2,616.97 on Monday, February 23.

The benchmark had declined over the previous three trading sessions. The broader trend remains weak. Of the 14 trading days so far in February, the index has closed higher on only four occasions.

Daily turnover fell to Rs 5.13 billion from Rs 6.69 billion on Sunday. A total of 12.6 million shares were traded through 56,347 transactions.

All major sub-indices ended in positive territory. The Sensitive Index rose 0.36 percent. The Float Index edged up 0.08 percent. The Sensitive Float Index gained 0.28 percent.

Market breadth remained weak. Share prices of 140 companies declined. Prices of 113 advanced, while nine remained unchanged.

Salapa Bikas Bank Limited (SABBL) emerged as the top gainer for the second straight day, surging 9.99 percent to Rs 439.2. Reliance Spinning Mills Limited (RSML) followed, rising 9.28 percent to Rs 432. NIBL Samriddhi Fund-2 (NIBSF2) was the biggest loser, shedding 4.81 percent to Rs 9.11.

In terms of turnover, Ankhu Khola Jalvidhyut Company Ltd (AKJCL) led with Rs 360.29 million. It was followed by Ridi Power Company Limited (RIDI) and SY Panel Nepal Limited (SYPNL).

Among the 13 sectoral indices, six closed higher. The Development Bank Index posted the highest gain, up 0.90 percent. The Mutual Fund Index recorded the steepest decline, down 0.41 percent.

Market capitalisation rose marginally to Rs 4,402.20 billion from Rs 4,398.13 billion in the previous session.