The downward trend in Nepal’s stock market continued for the sixth straight trading day on Sunday, May 18.

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) Index declined 2.79 points, or 0.10%, to close at 2,609.05 on the first trading day of the week, following  a 0.32% drop the previous trading day.

However, the daily turnover surpassed Rs 8.50 billion, up from around Rs 7.08 billion last Thursday. 

Over 16.9 million shares changed hands through 79,893 transactions. But, the overall market sentiment remained negative as 145 out of 246 listed companies ended the day in the red. While 100 companies gained, one remained unchanged.

All key sub-indices, too, saw declines–Sensitive Index by 0.41%, Float Index by 0.16%, and Sensitive Float Index by 0.46%.

Among individual performers, Om Megashree Pharmaceuticals Limited (OMPL) hit the upper circuit and led the list of gainers. Chhyangdi Hydropower Ltd. (CHL) followed closely, advancing by 9.99%.

In contrast, Corporate Development Bank Limited (CORBL) recorded the steepest loss, falling 8.71%.

On the turnover leaderboard, Nepal Reinsurance Company Limited (NRIC) remained at the top, followed by NRN Infrastructure and Development Limited (NRN) and Radhi Bidyut Company Ltd (RADHI). 

Of the 13 sectoral indices, only three closed in positive territory. The Others Index saw the biggest gain (4.19%), while the Trading Index suffered the sharpest fall (2.68%).

At the end of the day, the total market capitalization stood at around Rs 4.34 trillion.