Market extends losses as NEPSE slips to 2,650 points

The stock market declined for a second consecutive trading session on Friday, with the NEPSE Index falling by 4.05 points to close at 2,650.09. Market activity also weakened, as daily turnover dropped significantly compared to the previous session.

Total share transactions amounted to NRs 3.77 billion, down from NRs 4.62 billion recorded on Thursday. Overall, the market lost 35 points this week, reversing last Friday’s modest recovery, when the index had risen 12.96 points to close at 2,685 after four consecutive sessions of decline.

During today’s session, 184 listed companies posted losses, while 86 advanced and six remained unchanged.

Among sectoral indices, banking, development banks, finance, hotels and tourism, hydropower, investment, life insurance, non-life insurance, and other sectors ended in negative territory. In contrast, manufacturing and processing, microfinance, trading, and mutual funds registered modest gains.

Hydropower stocks dominated trading, accounting for the highest turnover. Solu Hydropower led the market with shares worth NRs 392.5 million traded, followed by Ridi Power at NRs 230.2 million and Sanima Bank at approximately NRs 170 million.

On the gainers' list, Atmanirbhar Laghubitta surged 8.54%, making it the day's best-performing stock. Meanwhile, Upper Lohore Khola Hydropower recorded the steepest decline, falling 6.93%.

Overall, the market remained under pressure throughout the trading day, with both the benchmark index and trading volume continuing their recent downward trend.