The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) extended its winning streak for the third consecutive day on Thursday, April 17, with the benchmark index climbing by 26.49 points, or 0.98%, to close at 2,722.73.
This follows a 1.01% gain on Tuesday—the first trading day of the new Nepali calendar year 2082—and a 0.26% increase on Wednesday. The market remained closed on Monday in observance of the New Year holiday.
Investor sentiment remained upbeat, as reflected in the surge in trading volume and turnover. A total of 311 scrips were traded through 90,555 transactions, with daily turnover soaring to Rs 10.79 billion—up significantly from Rs 7.26 billion the previous day. Altogether, 23.77 million shares changed hands during the session.
Out of the 187 companies that traded on the day, 147 posted gains while 59 recorded losses. All major sub-indices finished in the green. The Sensitive Index rose by 1.41%, the Sensitive Float Index climbed 1.33%, and the Float Index gained 1.03%. Market capitalization reached Rs 4.52 trillion, an increase from Rs 4.48 trillion on Wednesday.
Nepal Microinsurance Company Limited (NMIC) led the list of gainers, hitting the upper circuit limit. Crest Micro Life Insurance Limited (CREST) followed closely, registering a 9.99% gain. On the losing end, the 10% NIC Asia Debenture 2085/86 (NICAD85/86) saw the sharpest decline, dropping by 4.79%.
In terms of turnover, Himalayan Power Partner Ltd. (HPPL) topped the chart with Rs 1.58 billion worth of traded shares. It was followed by NRN Infrastructure and Development Limited (NRN) and Hydroelectricity Investment and Development Company Ltd. (HIDCL), which also saw strong investor activity.
Sector-wise, nearly all indices closed higher. The Investment sector led the gains with a 2.99% rise, followed by Development Banks (1.35%), Banking (1.14%), and Hydropower (1.13%). The only exception was the Trading sector, which edged down by 0.15%.
