April 30: The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) Index continued its downward trend for the third consecutive trading day on Sunday. 

The NEPSE Index dropped by 19.11 points or 1.1% and settled at 1870.65 points on the first trading day of the week. The Index lost a total of 35 points in three trading days.

Experts have attributed the persistent downturn in the stock market to the ongoing financial crisis faced by the country. Investors have expressed concerns and called for policy-level changes to boost their confidence and investment capacity.

 A veteran investor noted that the lack of liquidity in the market has further dampened investors' confidence.

During the trading day, a total of 271 scrips exchanged hands via 26,801 transactions, resulting in a turnover of Rs. 95.43 crores, which is higher than the previous trading day's turnover of Rs. 73.96 crores. 

Shivam Cements Limited (SHIVAM) had the highest turnover of Rs. 4.25 crores, closing at a market price of Rs. 405 per share. The shares of NIMB were the most traded.

NMB Sulav Investment Fund - 2 (NSIF2) gained the highest 3.33% for the day, while NIBL Growth Fund (NIBLGF) lost the highest 8.89%.

All traded 13 sector indices landed in the red zone, with hydropower experiencing the highest decline of 1.87%, while investment lost the least at 0.53%.

Moreover, the Sensitive Index lost 0.82%, while the Float Index and Sensitive Float Index both lost 1.1% and 0.95%, respectively.