Benchmark index at nearly two-month-high

Kathmandu, April 18

The country’s secondary market crossed the threshold of 1,350 points after nearly two months, with Nepal Stock Exchange (Nepse) index surging by 31.83 points or 2.39 per cent to rest at 1,363.01 points today.

The benchmark index had closed at current level way back on February 27, when it had rested at 1,364.81 points. Likewise, sensitive index rose by 6.27 points or 2.22 per cent to 288.85 points. The float index also went up by 2.63 points or 2.74 per cent to rest at 98.58 points. The total daily turnover today stood at Rs 1.13 billion, compared to Rs 962.88 million on Tuesday.

All 10 subgroups rosetoday, with the hydropower sub-index leading the pack of gainers. The subgroup soared by 6.92 per cent or 107.72 points to land at 1,664.32 points. The subgroup of development banks jumped up by 4.23 per cent or 65.24 points to settle at 1,611.14 points.

Banking, trading andfinance subgroups rose by more than two per cent. While banking subgroup went up by 2.86 per cent or 32.89 points to 1,181.16 points, trading subgroup ascended by 2.15 per cent or by 4.39 points to 208.18 points, and the finance subgroup increased by 2.04 per cent or 13.69 points to 683.36 points.

Hotels subgroup went up by 1.86 per cent or 37.65 points to 2,058.22 points. Manufacturing and production subgroup gained 1.22 per cent or 28.35 points to land at 2,355.19 points.

Altogether, 2.44 million shares of 165 companies were traded through 11,503 transactions today. The shareholders of hydropower and microfinance firms saw their share value go up significantly during the day.

Share value of Ngadi Power Group and Himalayan Power Partner soared by 10 per cent to Rs 231 and Rs 319, respectively, today. Naya Nepal Laghubitta Sanstha’s share price also rose by 10 per cent to Rs 2,556.

Among the top losers were Asian Life Insurance Company, which was down 4.26 per cent to Rs 830 and Prudential Insurance Company, which was down 3.77 per cent to Rs 815.