Kathmandu | The NEPSE index ended slightly lower today, continuing the downward momentum observed last week. The benchmark opened at 2,673.01, slightly above last week's closing of 2,670.70. However, by the end of the session, it dropped to 2,662.08 down by 8.62 points or 0.32%.

Market Highlights: Volatile Yet Active

The index fluctuated throughout the day, reaching a high of 2,676.70 and a low of 2,657.32, signaling mild volatility. A total of 322 scrips were traded across 54,361 transactions. Among them, 157 scrips declined, 88 gained, and 1 remained unchanged. Despite the overall decline, a fair number of stocks showed upward movement, indicating mixed investor sentiment.

Sector Watch: Investment and Mutual Funds in Green

Sector-wise, the Investment sector led with a 1.68% gain, followed by Mutual Funds, which rose by 0.26%. These gains contrast with the broader market trend, highlighting sector-specific investor confidence. The Trading sector faced the steepest drop, falling by 1.40%, while the Finance sector declined by 0.88%.

Top Gainers: Goodwill Finance Hits 10% Circuit

Several stocks posted notable gains despite the market’s dip. 12% Goodwill Finance Limited debenture surged by 10%  , followed by Nepal Micro Insurance Company with a 10% rise both triggering the upper circuit limit. Crest, Trishuli Jalabidhyut Company, and NIBL Stable Fund were also among the day’s top performers.

Top Losers: Sharp Declines for WNLB and Others

On the losing end, Wean Nepal Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha (WNLB) dropped 10%, hitting the lower circuit. Balefi Hydropower and Sindhubikar Bank declined by 9.98% and 9.08% respectively. Other significant losers included GMLI (-4.71%) and Nyadi Hydropower (-4.65%). Notably, WNLB was among last week’s top gainers, reflecting a quick shift in market sentiment.

Weekly Recap: Index Slips, Select Stocks Outperform

Last week, the NEPSE index shed 32.69 points or 1.21%. The Sensitive Index dropped by 4.05%, while the Float Index declined by 1.97%. Despite these losses, some stocks such as WNLB, NGPL, Sindhu, BNL, and GMLI stood out with positive returns. On the downside, UHEWA, SLBSL, HPPL, BHL, and SMHL saw significant declines.

Turnover and Capitalization: Modest Increase

Today’s turnover rose to NPR 6.28 billion, compared to NPR 5.58 billion in the previous session. Market capitalization also saw a slight rise, reaching NPR 4.43 trillion. Leading the turnover chart were CEDB Holdings (NPR 453.2 million) and NRN Infrastructure (NPR 444.66 million), followed by Radhi Bidhyut Company and Himalayan Reinsurance.

Investor Sentiment: Cautious with a Watchful Eye

The overall market mood remains cautious. With no major market-moving news, investors appear to be awaiting stronger signals whether corporate or economic to regain confidence. Foreign investor activity stayed stable, and the ongoing dividend season has yet to significantly influence trading behavior.

Conclusion: Market Awaits Clear Direction

Today's performance reflects a market in search of direction. While select sectors and stocks posted gains, overall sentiment remains subdued. As dividend announcements and quarterly updates roll in, investors are likely to stay alert for catalysts that could shift the market's current tone.