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 Falls Sharply on Sunday, Drops 78.83 Points to 2,503.35

On the first trading day of the week, Sunday, Nepal’s stock market witnessed a landslide drop. The NEPSE index fell by 78.83 points, settling at 2,503.35. Trading on NEPSE on Sunday totaled RS 6.70 billion. In comparison, the previous trading day on Thursday recorded RS 5.27 billion in turnover. A total of 324 companies were traded on NEPSE, with 67,202 transactions involving 1,436,468 shares.

Nepal Rastra Bank absorbs Rs 50 billion liquidity

Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) is set to absorb Rs 50 billion from the market for seven days as liquidity in banks and financial institutions has increased. To manage excess liquidity, NRB announced that it would withdraw the amount through its deposit collection instrument.
Banks and financial institutions have been invited to participate in online bidding until 3 PM today to withdraw the money.

75 companies in IPO pipeline at SEBON

A total of 75 companies from various sectors are in the pipeline at the Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) to issue 375.4 million IPO shares worth Rs 54.15 billion. Most of the companies awaiting IPO approval belong to the hydropower sector.

Government introduces Startup Loan Procedure 2025

The government has introduced the “Startup Loan Operation Procedure 2025” to transform the increasing use of information technology and innovative, creative ideas in business into startup enterprises. According to the procedure prepared by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, startup entrepreneurs will be provided collateral-free loans ranging from a minimum of Rs 500,000 to a maximum of Rs 2 million at an annual interest rate of 3 percent.

Government halts cash incentives for exports

The government has suspended the cash subsidy program for exports for the current fiscal year. According to the Export Cash Subsidy Procedure, 2018, exporters were entitled to up to 5 percent subsidy.
However, the Department of Industry, under instructions from the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, has published a notice halting the program for now.

Casinos must obtain license for foreign exchange transactions

Nepal Rastra Bank has mandated that casinos and similar institutions must obtain a license to conduct foreign exchange transactions.
In a notice, the central bank clarified that under Section 3 of the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, 2019, only licensed entities may conduct such transactions. The new arrangement allows casinos to apply for authorization to deal in foreign currencies (including Indian rupees).

Non-life insurers pay Rs 1.58 billion in claims

According to the latest data from the Insurance Authority, non-life insurance companies have paid Rs 1.58 billion in claims. Due to the authority’s proactive measures, compensation payments have been processed swiftly, including advance settlements. A total of 3,099 claims has been registered — 653 for property, 2,206 for motor, 190 for engineering and contract risks, 12 for transport, and 38 for other categories.

Over Rs 1.58 billion insurance paid for Gen Z movement damages

Insurance payouts exceeding Rs 1.58 billion have been made for damages caused by vandalism, arson, looting, and property loss during the Gen Z protests across Nepal. The Insurance Authority reported that out of Rs 24.81 billion total claims filed (3,099 cases), Rs 1.58 billion has been settled so far. Fourteen non-life and four microinsurance companies still have Rs 23.22 billion worth of claims pending.

Rs 56 billion new notes circulated during Dashain

Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) issued about Rs 56 billion worth of new and clean banknotes for Dashain. The notes were distributed between September 14 to 26. Out of this, Rs 1.5 billion were exchanged directly with the public at NRB’s offices, while banks and financial institutions exchanged around Rs 4.5 billion.

Agreement signed to promote sustainable electric public transport

Kumari Bank Limited and GIZ Nepal have signed an agreement to promote sustainable electric public transportation under the “Set Offer Nepal” project. The collaboration aims to provide affordable financing to public transport operators for purchasing electric micro and minibuses. Kumari Bank will offer special financing schemes and initial down-payment subsidies to make vehicle purchases more affordable.

Pokhara’s tourism recovering after Gen Z movement and bad weather

Pokhara’s tourism industry, affected by the Gen Z protests and adverse weather, is gradually recovering. According to local entrepreneurs, the tourist flow increased from Saturday as September–October marks the peak tourist season. Crowds were seen at major tourist sites, especially at Phewa Lake, where both domestic and foreign visitors enjoyed boating throughout the day, said Balaram Giri, chair of the Phewa Boat Entrepreneurs’ Association.

Low water levels in Kulekhani reservoir

Due to insufficient rainfall, the Kulekhani Hydropower Reservoir in Indrasarowar Rural Municipality — Nepal’s only storage-type hydropower project — has not been filled. According to project chief Tara Datta Bhatta, the water level stood at 1,051.07 meters as of Thursday, still 18 meters below the full capacity.

Kalanki Land Revenue Office resumes limited services

The Kalanki Land Revenue Office has resumed only essential services such as property hold and release from Sunday. Services were halted after arson and vandalism during the Gen Z protests. As the ground and first floors remain unsafe, services are now being operated from the second, third, and fourth floors. The fire destroyed the land records of 2.5 plots, including some land ownership files.

6,407 foreign tourists entered Humla this season

Since the opening of Hilsa in Humla on Baisakh 18, a total of 6,407 foreign tourists have visited the district. Deputy Superintendent of Police Shankar Pokharel said around 6,000 Indian pilgrims traveled through Nepalgunj to Kailash Mansarovar, along with 450 tourists from other countries. He added that the flow of Mansarovar-bound tourists has now ended for this year.

Birgunj Customs collects Rs 11.18 billion revenue from petroleum imports

Birgunj Customs Office has collected the highest revenue — Rs 11.18 billion — from petroleum imports in the first two months of the current fiscal year. During this period, petroleum imports worth Rs 26.33 billion were made, covering five types of petroleum products. Petroleum products contributed 28.56 percent of the total revenue from the top 20 imported items.

Muktinath Krishi Company announces dividend

Muktinath Krishi Company has announced dividends for its shareholders. The board meeting decided to distribute an 8 percent bonus share and a 0.42 percent cash dividend for tax purposes. The company’s current paid-up capital is Rs 700 million. After issuing the bonus shares, the company will also issue 60 percent rights shares based on the new capital. The annual general meeting has been scheduled for November 7.

IPO of Srinagar Agritech opens for the public

The Initial Public Offering (IPO) of Srinagar Agritech Company has opened for the general public from Sunday. After allotment to affected locals and migrant workers, shares are now available for the public, according to issue manager Nabil Investment Banking. Investors can apply for a minimum of 10 shares and a maximum of 10,000 shares.

Global IME Bank declares 8 percent cash dividend

Global IME Bank has declared a cash dividend for its shareholders.
A meeting of the board of directors held on Saturday decided to distribute an 8 percent cash dividend, including tax, from the accumulated profit of the last fiscal year. The bank will not distribute bonus shares. The dividend will be distributed after approval from Nepal Rastra Bank and endorsement by the upcoming annual general meeting. The AGM and book closure dates have not yet been fixed.

Cardamom production rises but price falls

Production of large cardamom — one of Nepal’s major exportable goods — has increased this year, but prices have fallen. According to the Federation of Large Cardamom Entrepreneurs of Nepal, the price per man (40 kg) has dropped to Rs 81,000–85,000 from last year’s Rs 110,000.

Brijeshwari Overseas records Rs 1.46 billion annual trade

Brijeshwari Overseas — the distributor of brands such as Happydent, Center Fruit, and Alpenliebe — has recorded Rs 1.46 billion in trade during the last fiscal year. This means the company sold confectionery products worth more than Rs 4 million daily. In 2024, the company traded goods worth Rs 123 million, compared to Rs 259 million in 2023 and Rs 289 million in 2022.

Gold price rises by Rs 3,000 per tola

Compared to last Friday, the price of gold has increased by Rs 3,000 per tola, while silver has risen by Rs 40. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, a tola of gold that was traded at Rs 235,000 on Friday is now priced at Rs 238,000. On the same day, one tola of silver was traded at Rs 3,085, which has now increased to Rs 3,125.