The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) Index closed 0.71% higher on Thursday, May 22, climbing 19.04 points to end the session at 2,688.55, reversing the previous day's loss.
During intraday trading, the index fluctuated between a high of 2,705.56 and a low of 2,669.58, reflecting moderate market volatility. The day’s gains were largely driven by renewed investor interest in banking stocks, with the banking sub-index jumping 3.82%. All listed companies in the banking group posted gains.
Out of the total traded companies, 104 closed in the green, 142 declined while one–Saptakoshi Hydropower–remained unchanged.
Om Megashree Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (OMPL) hit the upper circuit limit, with its share price surging to Rs. 1,024.30 per unit. In contrast, Barahi Hydropower Ltd. (BHPL) and MBL Equity Fund (MBLEF) were among the top losers, dropping 9.99% and 9%, respectively.
Despite the index’s upward momentum, trading turnover declined, falling to just over Rs. 9.82 billion on 22.3 million shares, down from Rs. 10.69 billion on 23 million shares the previous day.
Ngadi Group Power Ltd. (NGPL) recorded the highest turnover, exceeding Rs. 690.17 million. The stock rose by 12%, or Rs 0.44, to close at Rs 379 per unit.
Of the 13 sectoral indices, nine closed in the red, with the Hotels and Tourism Index losing the most (2.6%).
The total market capitalization rose to Rs. 4.47 trillion from Rs 4.44 trillion on Wednesday.
