KATHMANDU: Nepal News presents today’s snapshot of Nepal’s economic activities. Get quick updates on major market movements, policy shifts, and financial developments shaping the economy of Nepal. Here are the key economic highlights for today.

NEPSE Index Drops 11.32 Points on Monday
Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index fell by 11.32 points on Monday, the first trading day of the week, closing at 2,708.45 points. This marks a 0.41% decline compared to the previous trading day, with a total turnover of RS 440.27 million. On the day, 79 companies saw their share prices rise, while 173 companies experienced declines. Among the top gainers, Himstar Hydro surged 9.97%, and Nepal Investment Bank’s investment plan rose 5.83%. United Power Company saw a notable drop of 5.12%, along with other fluctuations across several companies.

Mutual Funds Mobilize Over RS 58.95 Billion in Stock and Money Markets

According to data from the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE), by the end of first month of current fiscal year, mutual funds had mobilized over Rs 58.959 billion, investing in the stock market and other money market instruments. The total net worth of share mutual funds stood at Rs 68.96 billion. The total investment of these mutual funds in the securities market was Rs 53.36 billion. Most of these investments were in shares of listed companies.

India Reduces GST Rates; Nepali Businesses Concerned
The Government of India has recently reduced the Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates. Previously, goods produced and sold in India were taxed at 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%. India has now set the rates at 5% and 18%. With India reducing GST, entrepreneurs near the Nepal-India border have expressed serious concerns. They worry that prices of goods in the Indian market will drop, directly impacting the Nepali market and economy. In particular, due to the open border, illegal trade (smuggling) may increase, affecting Nepali industries and government revenue.

Deposit Insurance Covers RS 1.57 Trillion
Deposit insurance for individuals in banks, financial institutions, and microfinance institutions amounts to around RS 1.57 trillion. Out of 5,71,36,000 individual accounts across financial institutions from class ‘A’ to ‘D,’ deposits including current, call, savings, and fixed accounts are insured for RS 15,79,05,00,00,000, according to the Deposit and Credit Protection Fund. By the end of fiscal year 2023/24, 4,57,95,000 accounts were insured for RS 14,30,46,00,00,000.

104 Hydropower Projects in Protected Areas at Risk
According to the Department of Electricity Development, 104 projects with construction licenses are located in various national parks and protected areas, with a total capacity of 5,608 MW. The risk of losing billions in investment increases as these projects cannot progress. The department stated that 34 projects have applied for construction licenses, while 26 projects are studying after obtaining survey licenses. In total, 179 hydropower projects fall in national parks, protected areas, and border zones, though IPPAN reports 237 projects (19,736 MW capacity) are affected.

No Advance Ticket Booking for Dashain Yet
With only 15 days to Dashain, the government has not yet opened advance ticket booking for long-distance passenger vehicles. In previous years, this facility was available at least a month in advance, but this year no preparation has begun. Senior Vice President of Nepal National Transport Entrepreneurs Federation, Saroj Sitaula, stated that heavy monsoon activity is expected in the coming period.

14 Apply for Chairperson of Nepal Insurance Authority
Fourteen people have applied to become the chairperson of the Nepal Insurance Authority. The chairperson recommendation committee had requested applications on August 29 for a seven-day period. After issuing the public notice, the committee released the names of the 14 applicants. The position became vacant after the Cabinet removed former chairperson Sharad Ojha on August 18 due to questions over his qualifications.

 Over 1,500 Containers Stuck at Rasuwa, Sindhupalchok Border with China
More than 1,500 containers of fruits and clothing destined for Dashain, Tihar, and winter months are stuck in Chinese territory due to blockages at Rasuw and Sindhupalchok. According to Sindhupalchok Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairperson Buddharaj Basnet, containers carrying readymade garments, electronics, and hydropower equipment are stuck in Khasa, Nyalam, Kerung, Dingri, and Lhasa. Four hundred containers carrying readymade items and fruits for Dashain are stuck in Khasa and Nyalam.

Over 1,235 km of Road Blacktopped Last Fiscal Year
In fiscal year 2024/25, 1,235.42 km of national roads were blacktopped. In fiscal year 2023/24, 756 km were blacktopped. The increase represents 63.41%. Initially, the government targeted 800 km of two-lane and 130 km of four-lane roads, totaling 930 km. With progress, the target increased to 1,358 km of two-lane and 193 km of four-lane roads, totaling 1,551 km.

Traditional Rice Varieties Disappearing in Bardiya
Farmers in Bardiya, once known as the ‘granary,’ are moving toward commercial farming, causing traditional rice varieties to disappear. Previously common varieties like Burma, Kanjira, Suhawat, Talagandha, and Kalanamak are now in production crisis. These varieties were once produced for family consumption and small-scale sales. Although considered healthier, farmers now prefer modern, higher-yield varieties.

Cardamom Exports Increase from Dhankuta
With increased cardamom production in Dhankuta, exports have also risen. Last year, cardamom worth over RS 80 million was exported. Known as “Black Gold,” Dhankuta exported cardamom worth RS 8,50,63,000 in fiscal year 2024/25. Compared to fiscal year 2023/24, exports increased by 5.2 metric tons or over RS 10.04 million.

487 Cooperatives Inactive in Koshi Province
In Koshi Province, 487 cooperatives under office jurisdiction are inactive. Jhapa has the most with 131, followed by Morang (67), Sunsari (62), Ilam (47), Udayapur and Tehrathum (26 each). Solukhumbu has 12, Okhaldhunga 21, Khotang 17, Sankhuwasabha 13, Bhojpur and Dhankuta 17 each, Taplejung 10, and Panchthar 21 inactive cooperatives.

Madhesh Province Prepares Investment Conference
The Madhesh Province government is preparing an investment conference for economic development. Planned for mid-January, 2026, the province has started discussions and collected suggestions on the conditions and challenges of industries in Birgunj. Currently, there is no investment board in Madhesh, and previous investment conferences lacked proper procedures. The government intends to organize the conference after establishing formal guidelines.

One Billion Rupees in Potato and Orange Sales Last Fiscal Year in Myagdi
Approximately Rs 1 billion worth of potatoes and oranges were sold last fiscal year in Myagdi. According to the District Agriculture Knowledge Center, in fiscal year 2024/25, Rs 60 million worth of potatoes and Rs 33.46 million worth of oranges were sold. Sanjiv Bastola, head of the center, said that 35,490 metric tons of potatoes produced on 1,820 hectares were sold at a minimum rate of Rs 35 per kg, generating Rs 60 million in revenue.

SY Panel IPO to Open from September 14
SY Panel’s IPO will open on September 14. In the first phase, shares will be issued to people in industry-affected areas and those working abroad. Those abroad can apply by September 17, while local applicants have until September 28. Prabhu Capital is the issue and sales manager. The company will issue 40% of its total capital—52,32,548 shares—from the total 1,30,81,37,100 shares to the general public.

Mega Bank, Women Entrepreneurs Federation Sign Agreement
Nepal Investment Mega Bank Limited and the Women Entrepreneurs Federation Nepal signed a commercial agreement. The agreement aims to attract Nepali women to entrepreneurship and promote women-led businesses. CEO Jyoti Prakash Pandey and Federation Chairperson Sobha Gyawali signed the agreement.

NIFRA to Distribute 6.31% Cash Dividend
Nepal Infrastructure Bank Limited (NIFRA) will give a 6.31% cash dividend to its shareholders. Based on FY 2024/25 financial statements, the Board of Directors decided in its 170th meeting to distribute RS 1,36,42,12,800 as cash dividend (including tax) from the total paid-up capital of RS 21,60,00,00,000.

Muktinath Agriculture Company Sells RS 5.5 Million Citrus Saplings
Muktinath Agriculture Company in Syangja sold RS 5.5 million worth of citrus saplings. The company established a research and nursery center in Faparthum, Aandhikhola Rural Municipality–6, Syangja. In fiscal year 2024/25, it sold 25,000 citrus saplings worth RS 5.5 million. For the past three years, the company has commercially produced citrus saplings, including three varieties: Syangja local, Khoko local, and Banskhar local oranges and lemons.

Gold Prices Hit New Records
Gold prices continue to hit new records. On Sunday, gold increased by Rs 1,600 per tola compared to the previous trading day. Previously, gold traded at RS 210,400 per tola, reaching RS 212,000 today. Silver prices also reached record highs, with silver hitting RS 2,500 per tola on Sunday.