KATHMANDU: The stock market declined by 26.51 points on the first trading day of the week, Sunday.

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) reported that the index fell to 2,649.52 points. Despite the drop, total turnover reached Rs 7 billion, with 15 million shares changing hands.

During the day, 45 shares gained in value, 211 declined, and one remained unchanged. Companies such as Sagar Distillery, Swastik Laghubitta, and Jhapa Energy recorded gains, allowing investors to earn substantial returns as their share prices hit the circuit limit.

On the other hand, shares of Nepal Investment Mega Bank Debentures, Joshi Hydropower, Himal Dolakha Hydropower Company, Shwetaganga Hydropower, and others fell, with the steepest decline reaching 8.99 percent, according to NEPSE.

Himalayan Reinsurance had the highest turnover, with buy-sell transactions totaling Rs 230 million, followed by Joshi Hydro and other companies with trading worth Rs 210 million.