October 2: The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) Index gained 5.19 points or 0.26% compared to the previous day's closing and closed at  1,976.29 points on the second trading day of the week, Monday.

Experienced investors and stock market analysts attributed to the influence of the festive season as the cause of the recent decline in the stock market.  They believe that the market could see further corrections during the Dashain festival, a major festival in Nepal.

Experts in the stock market suggest that a bullish trend is unlikely to start unless the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) eases its policies related to the stock market.

According to one investor, "The NRB is not expected to lift the 120 million cap until the quarterly review of the monetary policy. The market is not likely to gain momentum until the NRB removes the cap on margin loans."

During today's trading, as many as 286 different stocks were traded through 85,591 transactions. A total of 5,776,896 shares were traded, with a total turnover of Rs. 1.73 billion.

NIC Asia Bank Ltd. (NICA) had the highest turnover of Rs. 21.68 crores, closing at a market price of Rs. 761.50.

In terms of gains, CYC Nepal Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (CYCL) and Sayapatri Hydropower Limited (SPHL) posted the highest increase of 10%, followed by Infinity Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (ILBS) with a gain of 9.66%.

On the other hand, Peoples Hydropower Company Limited (PHCL) experienced a loss of 5.29% today.

In the sector indices, all indices barring Hotel and Tourism and Manufacturing & Processing Index closed in positive territory, with the Development Bank Index gaining the most 1.33%.