April 3: Contrary to investors’ expectations, the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index plunged 20 points to close at 1,888.55 points on the first trading day on Sunday.  Over 3.7 million shares of the total 260 listed companies were traded at over Rs 1.20 billion. The sub-index of all groups landed in red on the first trading day. 

The sub-index of the trading group registered the highest fall by 54.99 points and that of non-life insurance group by 47.24 points. 
The sub-index of banking group decreased by 23.89 points, while hotel and tourism groups fell by 18.91 points. Likewise, hydropower sub-index and life insurance group dropped by 41.68 points, and 36.4 points respectively. 

The investment sub-index decreased by 0.74 points where as sub-index of production and processing group fell by 35.72 points, that of micro-finance group by 35.84 points, that of mutual fund group by 0.02 points and that of other groups by 10.97 points. 

The share price of Kalinchok Darshan Limited posted the highest increase by 9.96 percent today. The highest fall in share price is that of Swabhiman Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Ltd. It fell by 9. 61points. 

In the intraday trading, 189 listed companies lost their market value, while only 23 companies registered  gains. The daily turnover rose to Rs 1.207 billion from Rs 899.53 million on Thursday.

Among individual companies, NIC Asia Bank, with transactions of its shares worth Rs 50.56 million, topped the list. Swabhimaan Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited was the topmost loser. Kalinchowk Darshan Limited gained the highest percent of its market price.  

Share investors said that the NEPSE index had continued its downtrend trend as market could not build up confidence despite the appointment of Nepali Congress’ leader Prakash Sharan Mahat as Finance Minister. “Secondary market is waiting for policy-change from the government. Without policy change, NEPSE will not be able to reverse its trend  immediately,” said a share investor.