July 28: On the first trading day following the announcement of the Monetary Policy for 2024/25 by Nepal Rastra Bank, the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) Index gained 113.42 points, or 4.41%, closing at 2,681.56 on Sunday. 

The new monetary policy by the NRB has emboldened investors, being described as flexible, convenient, and investment-friendly. Additionally, the removal of the 200 million cap on institutional investors' loans against shares has added more excitement to the stock market.

During today’s trading session, 318 scrips were traded through 163,810 transactions on the NEPSE. A total of 40,314,517 shares were exchanged, resulting in a substantial turnover of Rs. 15.81 billion. Kumari Bank Limited (KBL) led the market in turnover, achieving a value of Rs. 36.1 crores and closing at Rs. 212.40 per share.

The NEPSE hit the positive circuit breaker twice during the intraday session due to the significant rise in the banking sector. Various policies made public by the central bank are expected to boost the profitability of commercial banks, attracting investors to commercial banks.

Fifteen companies hit the positive circuit with a 10% increase, most of them being commercial banks, indicating significant excitement in the banking sector. Conversely, Ganapati Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (GMFBS) faced the steepest decline, falling by 9.35%.

The Sensitive Index rose by 5.82%, while the Float Index and Sensitive Float Index surged by 5.03% and 6.56%, respectively.

In terms of sector indices, only the Microfinance sector ended in the red. The Banking Index led the gains with a 9.89% increase, while the Hotel and Tourism Index experienced the least gain, rising by 0.46%.