KATHMANDU: Welcome to Nepal News’ Evening Economic Brief—your go-to source on key financial updates in Nepal. Stay informed with concise insights on market trends, economic indicators, and policy shifts. Here are today’s top economic news highlights.

NEPSE Falls by 151 Points in Eight Days After Hitting 4-Year High

The NEPSE index, which had surged to a four-year high of 3002.07 points on July 29, has since declined sharply, falling to 2850.37 points by the end of this trading week. During this period, the stock market declined on five out of eight trading days, with gains recorded on only two days. In total, the index dropped by 151.7 points. Meanwhile, trading volume has also declined significantly. On July 29, the total daily turnover had reached Rs 25.96 billion, but by Thursday, it had shrunk to Rs 8.33 billion, according to data from the Nepal Stock Exchange.

NRB Raises Payment Limit for Service Imports from Third Countries

Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has increased the payment threshold for service imports from third countries (excluding India). Now, payments up to USD 8,000 can be made without prior approval from the central bank, provided the required documents are submitted. Previously, the limit was set at USD 5,000. However, if the foreign exchange obligation exceeds USD 8,000—either through an agreement with a foreign service provider or for payment of services rendered—approval or recommendation from the concerned regulatory body will be required.

NRB Bans LC for Four-Wheelers Not Meeting Euro 6 Emission Standard

Banks in Nepal will no longer be allowed to open letters of credit (LC) for the import of four-wheeled vehicles that do not meet the Euro 6 emission standard. Nepal Rastra Bank has amended the Unified Directive, 2024 to enforce this provision. Earlier, the government had issued the Vehicle Emission Standard 2025, which specifies that two-, three-, and four-wheeled small vehicles must meet the Euro 5 standard, while four-wheeled vehicles must comply with the Euro 6 emission standard. Based on this directive, the central bank revised its LC policy accordingly.

Machinery Imports Reach Rs 124 Billion in FY 2024/25, Up 7% from Previous Year

In fiscal year 2024/25, Nepal imported machinery goods and spare parts worth Rs 124 billion. This represents a 7 percent increase compared to Rs 109 billion imported in fiscal year 2023/24. In the same fiscal year, imports of electrical equipment reached Rs 7.387 billion, marking a 4 percent rise compared to the previous year. In fiscal year 2023/24, imports of electrical equipment amounted to Rs 69.90 billion. In the fiscal year 2024/25, telecommunications and related equipment imports reached Rs 43.08 billion.

Seventeen Mutual Fund Schemes Declare Dividends Up to 20% in FY 2024/25

As fiscal year 2024/25 concludes, mutual funds in Nepal are announcing dividends. So far, 17 schemes have declared dividends, with rates reaching up to 20 percent. The face value of mutual fund units is Rs 10 per unit, and dividends are paid based on this value. For example, a scheme declaring a 20 percent dividend will distribute Rs 2 per unit. Schemes that announced dividends of 19 to 20 percent currently have market prices around Rs 11.50 per unit.

Nepal Telecom Loses 7.67 Million Mobile Broadband Users in a Year

Nepal Telecom’s mobile broadband subscribers plunged by 7.67 million in the last fiscal year, shrinking its market share from 71.85% to 55.68%, according to the Nepal Telecommunications Authority. The 16% drop mirrored a sharp rise in Ncell’s share from 28.15% to 44.32%, adding 2.96 million users. Despite leading in SIM distribution, NTC has steadily lost ground to Ncell in the data segment.

24 Casinos Renew Licenses for Operation in FY 2025/26

A total of 24 casinos have renewed their licenses for operation in the current fiscal year 2025/26, according to the Department of Tourism. Of these, five casinos are located within the Kathmandu Valley, while the remaining 19 operate outside the Valley. The renewals include five casinos each from Nepalgunj and Rupandehi, two from Morang, two from Jhapa, two from Parsa, and one each from Kaski and Kapilvastu. These casinos have completed their renewal process to legally continue operations in the ongoing fiscal year, the department stated.

Number of Foreign Workers Seeking Jobs in Nepal Drops by 5 Percent

At a time when demand for Nepali workers abroad is increasing, the number of foreign nationals coming to Nepal for employment has decreased by 5 percent in fiscal year 2024/25 compared to the previous fiscal year 2023/24. According to government data, the number of foreigners receiving labor permits to work in Nepal—mainly in development partner-funded projects and foreign business enterprises—dropped from 2,685 in FY 2023/24 to 2,559 in 2024/25.

Seized Duty-Free Liquor from 2008 Set for Dashain Sale

National Trading Corporation will sell liquor bought duty-free in 2008, stored since the government banned such sales that year. Purchased for $550,000, the stock includes whisky, rum, brandy, gin, and vodka. Some wines, beers, and cigarettes have expired, and last year’s floods damaged part of the inventory. Older brands may face slow sales despite being offered at Dashain discount outlets.

Govt Issues Rs 886.6M in Startup Loans to 600 Entrepreneurs

The government disbursed Rs 886.6 million in startup loans to 600 entrepreneurs in fiscal year 2024/25. Of 661 applicants, 61 were rejected after on-site inspections revealed discrepancies with their proposals, according to the Industrial Enterprise Development Institute.

 Vehicle Renewals Bypassing Mandatory Third-Party Insurance

Many vehicles are being renewed without the legally required third-party insurance, particularly at the Department Of Transport Management, Shrijana Nagar, Bhaktapur. Motorcycles require around RS 1,800 in insurance fees, while four-wheelers need Rs 7,000–8,000, but some avoid this by paying Rs 500 in bribes. Most renewals at the office reportedly bypass insurance.

Nepal Becomes Net Power Exporter with Rs 17.45 Billion in Sales

In the fiscal year 2024/25, Nepal exported electricity worth over Rs 17.45 billion to India and Bangladesh, while importing Rs 12.92 billion from India—making it a net power exporter. The Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation in Nepal said the achievement boosts energy diplomacy and trade balance. Nepal currently exports over 700 MW daily to India and 40 MW to Bangladesh under a tripartite deal.

Govt to Reinstate Licenses of 354 Manpower Firms

The Department of Foreign Employment has begun reinstating licenses of 354 manpower agencies previously suspended under old rules. The move follows a legal amendment removing the requirement for agencies to send at least 100 workers abroad annually. The President endorsed the amendment last week.

Private Sector Powers 80% of Nepal’s Electricity Output

Private investment now drives Nepal’s hydropower growth, producing 2,740 MW—about 80% of the nation’s total 3,500 MW capacity, according to IPPAN. The largest private-built project yet, the 341.5 MW Budhigandaki Hydropower Plant in Gorkha, is moving ahead with Rs 70 billion funding—75% debt and 25% equity. Nine banks and one company will provide Rs 52.5 billion in loans for the semi-reservoir project.

Karnali Province Blacktops 72 km Roads in FY 2024/025

Karnali Province constructed 72 km of blacktopped roads in the fiscal year 2024/025, similar to the previous year. In around six fiscal years, the province has completed 246.59 km of paved roads, with over 167 km built in the last two years alone. Road development became a priority after the province structure was implemented.

Lumbini Province Offers 75% Fine Waiver on Vehicle Tax Arrears

The Lumbini provincial government has introduced a 75% waiver on fines for overdue annual vehicle taxes. The Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Transport, Lumbini Province says the move aims to ease burdens on transport operators while bringing them into the tax system. Authorities expect the incentive to encourage compliance and expand the province’s revenue base.

Siddhartha Bank Profit Rises 10.24% in FY 2024/025

Siddhartha Bank posted a net profit of Rs 3.39 billion in fiscal year 2024/025, up 10.24% from Rs 3.08 billion a year earlier, its unaudited report shows. The growth was driven by business expansion and higher income, despite increased loan-loss provisioning. Improved interest recovery also boosted dividend capacity.

Rasuwagadhi Hydropower’s Local Shares to Unlock on Sept 12

The three-year lock-in period for 6.84 million shares allotted to project-affected locals of Rasuwa by Rasuwagadhi Hydropower will end on September 12, 2025. Distributed on Sept 13, 2022, these shares could not be traded until the expiry of the IPO lock-in for founders, employees, and locals. Holders can now sell them in the secondary market.

‘NIMB Sahabhagita Fund’ Declares 7% Dividend

NIMB Participation Fund called ‘NIMB Sahabhagita Fund’ will distribute a 7% dividend, inclusive of taxes, to unit holders for fiscal year 2024/025. Managed by NIMB S Ace Capital Limited, with Nepal Investment Mega Bank Ltd. as promoter, the fund’s approved size exceeds Rs 6 billion. Investors holding units by July 21 will be eligible for the payout.

Gold Price Nears Rs 200,000 Per Tola, Silver Also Up

Gold prices in Nepal surged to Rs 199,400 per tola (11.66 grams) on Friday, up Rs 1,000 from Thursday’s Rs 198,400, the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association said. In the past week alone, gold has risen to Rs 6,600. Silver also gained Rs 10 per tola, reaching Rs 2,325 from Rs 2,315. Analysts attribute the steady climb to global market volatility and strong investor demand.