October 16: The Nepal Stock(NEPSE) Index lost 23.16 points or 1.23%, closing at 1851.43 points on the first trading day of the week, Sunday.

Experienced investors and stock analysts have attributed today's market loss to the impending Dashain festival. According to one investor, NEPSE experienced selling pressure as the Dashain festival draws near.

During today's trading, 284 different stocks were traded in 69,832 transactions in the NEPSE. A total of 4,837,893 units of shares exchanged their hands, amounting to Rs 1.25 billion.

Prabhu Bank Limited Promoter Share (PRVUPO) had the highest turnover, reaching Rs. 6.24 crores, and closed at a market price of Rs. 108.

Similarly, Siddhartha Premier Insurance Limited (SPIL) recorded the highest gain of 7.87% today. On the flip side, Sayapatri Hydropower Limited (SPHL) and Hathway Investment Nepal Limited (HATHY) witnessed the highest loss of 10%.

In terms of sector indices, all indices closed in the red territory.  "Life Insurance Index" lost the highest 2.09% while "Manufacturing And Processing" lost the least of 0.57% for today.