May 29: The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) Index witnessed a loss of 23.81 points, equivalent to 1.12%, closing at 2089.42 on the first trading day after the budget announcement for the fiscal year 2024/2025 on Wednesday.

During today’s trading session, 314 scrips were traded on the NEPSE through 63,080 transactions. A total of 10,738,169 shares changed hands, resulting in a total turnover of Rs 4.57 billion.

Pokhara Finance Limited (PFL) led the turnover with total transactions worth Rs 19 crores. Unilever Nepal Limited, Kalinchowk Darshan Limited (KDL), Upper Lohore Khola Hydropower Company Limited (ULHC), and Bhagawati Hydropower Development Company (BGWT) each gained 10% and hit the positive circuit for the day.

Conversely, Buddha Bhumi Nepal Hydropower Company Limited (BNHC) experienced the highest loss at 9.41%, closing at a market price of Rs 587 per share.

In terms of sector indices, all sectors closed in negative territory except the Finance Index, Hotels and Tourism Index, Manufacturing and Processing Index, and Trading Index.

The Mutual Fund Index stayed neutral. The Banking Index lost the most at 2.94%, while the Manufacturing and Processing Index saw the highest gain at 2.68%.