Money
Nepse ends 3.48 points lower
In expectations of a favourable monetary policy, which is to be announced this week, investors in the Nepal Stock Exchange (Nepse) channelled their investments in the finance sector last week, according to stockbrokers.In expectations of a favourable monetary policy, which is to be announced this week, investors in the Nepal Stock Exchange (Nepse) channelled their investments in the finance sector last week, according to stockbrokers.
“Talks have surfaced that the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) is considering increasing capital base of the
microfinance sector, and that boosted the investor confidence,” said Bishnu Sapkota, managing director of NEEV Securities. “Investors are also facing pressure to settle interests as year-end approaches. This has also helped the finance sector’s profit growth in the fourth quarter.”
According to Sapkota, upcoming mergers between development banks and finance companies will also add up to the growth index.
The insurance sector, which was a hotcake a month ago, has observed a downfall in its index over the past few weeks.
Last week, the benchmark Nepse index lost 3.48 points to close in at 1,715.72. Out of nine trading groups, five posted gains. The group representing finance companies (up 45.34 points) led the gainers’ side, including manufacturing, hotel, others and commercial banks. The insurance sector shed 191.73 points. “The delay in the paid-up capital hike of insurance companies along with profit booking led to the downfall in the index,” said Prakash Tiwari, financial analyst at Hathway Investment. “ As soon as the pending decision regarding the capital hike is taken, the sector will see a growth.”
The sensitive index that measures the performance of class ‘A’ companies saw a decline of 1.05 points.
The total transaction volume fell by 28.16 percent to Rs6.01 billion from Rs8.38 billion last week. Rastriya Beema Company (promoter’s shares) topped in terms of the highest individual turnover (Rs274.26 million).
Meanwhile, the exchange listed bonus and rights shares of Metro Development Bank, and general shares of Tinau Development Bank.
- Everest Bank 374.37
- Lumbini General Insurance 321.8
- Nepal Bangladesh Bank 286.66
- Nepal SBI Bank 280.24
- NMB Bank 259.61
- Finance 45.34
- Manufacturing 44.56
- Hotel 7.83
- Others 4.7
- Commercial Bank 0.87
- Insurance 191.73
- Hydropower 20.03
- Development Bank 19.43