The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index dropped 13.53 points on Sunday, December 29, to close at 2,609.58.

However, trading activity increased with daily turnover exceeding Rs 5.47 billion, compared to Rs 5.32 billion last Thursday.

The index surged by 33.89 points last week, reversing the previous week’s decline of 85.45 points. The total turnover for the week surpassed Rs 19.47 billion, slightly higher than the Rs 19.3 billion recorded in the previous week.

Over 11 million shares were traded through 66,774 transactions on the week’s first trading day.

The Sensitive, Float, and Sensitive Float indices also declined, with decreases of 0.54 percent, 0.80 percent, and 0.56 percent, respectively.

Mahila Lagubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (MLBSL) emerged as the top gainer of the day, hitting the upper circuit limit, followed by Aatmanirbhar Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (ANLB), which saw an increase of 9.98 percent.

On the contrary, five Companies – Support Microfinance Bittiya Sanstha Ltd. (SMB), Narayani Development Bank Limited (NABBC), Saptakoshi Development Bank Ltd (SAPDBL), Janaki Finance Company Limited (JFL) and Sindhu Bikash Bank Ltd (SINDU– became the biggest losers, by hitting the lowest circuit limit. 

Prabhu Bank Limited (PRVU) led in turnover, followed by Janaki Finance Company Limited (JFL) and NRN Infrastructure and Development Limited (NRN). 

Of the NEPSE's 13 sub-indices, only three closed in positive territory. The Microfinance Index saw the largest gain of 1.12 percent, while the Finance Index suffered the biggest loss of 4.47 percent.