November 20:  On the first trading day of the week following an extended period of festival holidays, the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) gained a minimal 1.39 points or 0.07%, closing at 1853.48 on Monday.

The market's lack of upward momentum is attributed to a prolonged festive period, causing reduced trading activity. Prevailing negative investor psychology has influenced the market, preventing it from catching the upward momentum.

Additionally, a significant number of investors adopting a "wait and watch approach, is also hampering overall market momentum.

During today’s trading, 3,319,558 shares were traded through 44,727 transactions, totaling Rs 1.9 billion, involving 284 scrips. Himalayan Distillery Limited (HDL) led with a turnover exceeding Rs 7 crores, closing at Rs 1737 per share.

Global IME Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Ltd. (GILB) and Karnali Development Bank Limited (KRBL) gained the highest at 9.98% and 9.96%, respectively. Conversely, Forward Microfinance Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (FOWAD) and Sayapatri Hydropower Limited (SPHL) each lost 10%, hitting the negative circuit.

In sector indices, all sectors closed positively, except Hotels And Tourism, Manufacturing And Processing, Microfinance, and Others. Manufacturing and Processing saw the highest loss at 1.91%, while Trading Index gained the most at 1.42%.

Sensitive Index and Sensitive Float Index experienced losses of 0.14% and 0.25%, respectively, while Float Index gained 0.08% for the day.