KATHMANDU: The Nepal Stock Exchange (Nepse) index remained northbound for the fifth consecutive day on Wednesday on investor optimism about interest rate of banks dropping in the near future.

The benchmark index rose by 1.97 per cent or 23.89 points to 1,234.13 points on Wednesday, while sensitive index went up by 2.07 per cent or 5.30 points to 261.16 points.

Float index also increased by 2.29 per cent or two points to rest at 89.45 points. Out of the 11 subgroups, only trading and manufacturing sub-indices landed in the red zone.

A stockbroker seeking anonymity said that the market optimism is due to the assurance provided by bankers that the interest rates would be reduced soon.