NEPSE Index Falls 19.34 Points to Close at 2,622.48

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index declined by 19.34 points to close at 2,622.48 points on Tuesday, August 18, as selling pressure dominated the market throughout the trading session.

The market remained volatile from the opening bell. Although the NEPSE index attempted to recover and move toward the 2,650-point level during intraday trading, the buying momentum could not be sustained, and the benchmark index eventually closed in the red.

Trading activity remained strong, with 151 lakh shares of 347 companies changing hands through 55,246 transactions. The total turnover stood at approximately Rs. 5.07 arba, or Rs. 5,07,35,18,662.

The broader market sentiment was negative, with share prices of 218 companies declining, while only 56 companies recorded gains. The prices of 5 companies remained unchanged.

Among the sectoral indices, the Trading sector was the only group to post an increase, while the remaining sectors declined. The Manufacturing and Processing sector recorded the highest decline of 1.40 percent, whereas most other sectoral indices fluctuated by less than one percent.

Despite the overall market decline, some companies recorded significant gains. Sarbottam Paints advanced by 14.99 percent, while Mount Everest Power Development gained 14.98 percent, approaching the positive circuit limit. On the other hand, Sagarmatha Hydropower Company recorded the day's largest decline, falling 10.63 percent.

In terms of transaction value, Agricultural Development Bank's debenture topped the market with a turnover of around Rs. 50.68 crore. Solu Hydropower followed with transactions worth approximately Rs. 39.14 crore, while Khanikhola Hydropower recorded a turnover of around Rs. 25.26 crore.

Overall, Tuesday's trading session reflected continued selling pressure in the Nepalese stock market, with the NEPSE index ending significantly lower despite attempts to recover during the session.