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 Gains 1.52 Points on Wednesday, Turnover Reaches Rs 6.20 Billion

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index rose by 1.52 points on Wednesday. With a marginal gain of 0.05 percent compared to the previous trading day, the benchmark index closed at 2,641.43 points. Earlier, NEPSE had gained 4.90 points on Tuesday, while it had declined by 5.54 points on Monday. Trading was closed on Sunday due to Prithvi Jayanti. On Wednesday, the Sensitive Index declined by 0.13 points to settle at 454.73 points, down by 0.02 percent compared to the previous trading session. A total of 12,504,970 shares of 320 companies were traded through 72,671 transactions during the day. The total turnover stood at Rs 6.20 billion. By comparison, NEPSE recorded a turnover of Rs 6.99 billion on Tuesday and Rs 6.47 billion on Monday. There was no trading on Sunday. Out of 13 traded sub-indices, the share prices of eight groups increased while those of five declined. The commercial bank sub-index fell by 0.08 percent.

CIT’s Net Profit last Fiscal Year was Over Rs 1.25 Billion

The Citizen Investment Trust (CIT) recorded a net profit of slightly over Rs 1.25 billion after tax in the last fiscal year. Of the total amount, Rs 251.2 million was allocated to the general reserve fund, while the remaining profit was distributed among its members as a bonus. This information was shared during the 31st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the CIT, which concluded here on Wednesday. The AGM endorsed the distribution of a five percent bonus share and an eight percent cash dividend from the income of the last fiscal year. It was stated that while the CIT’s net fund collection from various savings programs stood at Rs 266.65 billion in the last fiscal year, the savings mobilization balance reached Rs 296.89 billion by the end of the first three months (mid-October 2025) of the current fiscal year. The AGM also endorsed the Trust’s annual report, the profit and loss account for the fiscal year 2081/82, the cash flow statement, and other related financial statements. The meeting unanimously elected Narayan Prasad Ghimire as the representative of the general shareholders.

Trade Affected Due to Irregular and Sporadic Opening of Tinker Trade Point

The Tinker transit point at Nepal-China border in Darchula district that is vital for trade, cultural relations and pilgrimage for the people of both countries has remained largely inactive since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, thereby affecting the local trade. Irregular and limited opening of the border crossing have severely disrupted the local trade, livelihood and pilgrimage, locals report. Local residents and traders bearing the brunt of economic and employment loss complain that they feel neglected by the State. Yogesh Bohora, a local trader from Byas Rural Municipality-1 and member of the Nepal-China Himalayan Friendship Society, lamented that irregular operation of the Tinker border point has created a serious problems for business. Although the border point was partially opened for the ongoing fiscal year 2025/26, it was only opened for altogether 10 to 15 days, making the transportation of goods near to impossible. He emphasizes that this border point, which bears religious and cultural significance, should be regularly operated.

Two Business Firms Penalized 

The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection has imposed a cash fine on two firms. During a monitoring and inspection of the markets, the firms were found flouting regulations. As a result, the department imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on BS Dhawalagiri Traders and Rs 15,000 on Sindhu Materials Pvt. Ltd. The Department has stated that the two firms were penalized as they were found operating contrary to the provisions mentioned in the Consumer Protection Act, 2075 BS. Of the 14 firms monitored by the department, two were penalized while corrective instructions were given to 12 others. The department has been monitoring firms selling construction materials in recent days. The department is regularly monitoring markets as of late with the participation of local administration, consumer rights activists and other concerned bodies.

Banks Further Lower Interest Rates as Surplus Liquidity Pressures Market

A dozen banks have lowered their interest rates for the month of Magh (mid-January to mid-February). Due to a surge in excess liquidity, banks have reduced interest rates on fixed deposits. Compared to Poush (mid-December to mid-January), the average interest rate on individual fixed deposits for Magh has declined by 0.14 percentage points. In Poush, the average rate stood at 4.8 percent. Banks that have reduced the maximum interest rate on fixed deposits for Magh include Agricultural Development Bank, Everest Bank, Siddhartha Bank, Sanima Bank, Laxmi Sunrise Bank, Himalayan Bank, Machhapuchchhre Bank, Citizens International Bank, Kumari Bank, Nepal SBI Bank, and Standard Chartered Bank. Among these, Himalayan Bank and Machhapuchchhre Bank have made the largest cuts in interest rates. For Magh, the interest rates on individual fixed deposits are as follows: Agricultural Development Bank at 4.40 percent, Everest Bank at 4.40 percent, Kumari Bank at 4.43 percent, Nepal SBI Bank at 4.40 percent, Laxmi Sunrise Bank at 4.50 percent, Citizens Bank at 4.50 percent, Prabhu Bank at 4.55 percent, Machhapuchchhre Bank at 4.50 percent, Standard Chartered Bank at 4.36 percent, Himalayan Bank at 5 percent, and Sanima Bank at 4.55 percent.

Gold and Silver Prices Reach All-Time High 

The price of gold has reached an all-time high in the domestic market on Wednesday. According to the Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers Federation, the price of gold has increased by 1,500 to 278,000 per tola today. This is the highest price of gold so far. Earlier on Tuesday, gold was traded at 276,500 per tola. Similarly, the price of silver has also increased today. According to the Federation, silver is trading at Rs 5,655 per tola, up by Rs 315 per tola today. This is the highest price of silver so far. Earlier, on Tuesday, silver was traded at Rs 5,340 per tola.

Cables go Underground in Pokhara

The six-lane road section from Pokhara International Airport to Prithvi Chowk now stands free of electricity poles and overhead internet wires. The Nepal Electricity Authority has connected every household to electricity through underground cables on this section of the Prithvi Highway. Work is underway with the goal of extending underground electricity lines across major highways, the entire Lakeside area, and most parts of the main market within current fiscal year. According to the Pokhara–Bharatpur Distribution System Strengthening Project, of NEA, physical progress in the Pokhara section has reached 65 per cent, while work in Bharatpur is 85 per cent complete. Project Chief, Engineer Ananda Subedi said that if work continues at the current pace, the project will be completed within this fiscal year. “Electricity through underground cables has already been supplied to around 600 households from the international airport to Prithvi Chowk,” Subedi said. “The project deadline is June 30, and if the current momentum is maintained, the major works will be completed on time.”

Price Decline Worries Broom Grass Farmers

Farmers cultivating amliso (commonly known as broom grass) in northern Morang have grown increasingly worried as prices continue to decline year after year. Just four years ago, broom grass sold for as much as Rs 130 per kg. This year, however, farmers are forced to sell it at Rs 45–48 per kg directly from their fields. When transported to Letang market, it fetches Rs 55 to 60 per kg. Adiman Limbu of Letang Municipality–7, Warangi, said amliso that sold at Rs 70 per kg last year is struggling to reach even Rs 50 this year. “When taken to the Letang market, traders offer up to Rs 60, but the transportation and other costs are not covered by that price,” he said. Limbu, who cultivates amliso on 50 ropanis of land, said farmers have been hit hard by the continuous price decline. According to him, he sold broom grass worth Rs 230,000 at Rs 60 per kg last year but expects heavy losses this year due to the price reduction. The main sources of income for farmers in Letang Municipality–7, Warangi, is the cultivation of broom grass, cardamom and bay leaves.

CAN Federation Calls for Secure Digital Marketplace 

CAN Federation, the umbrella organization of Nepal’s information technology sector, has told the government that the country’s digital marketplace should be made secure, simple and sovereign. Submitting its official policy recommendations on the proposed E-commerce Directives 2025 through the Information Technology Development Committee of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), it stressed that the growth of Nepal’s e-commerce sector rests on three key pillars: security, simplicity and sovereignty. It recommended that the government go beyond general data protection provisions and introduce a National Minimum-Security Standard (NMSS) in terms of security. It has also proposed awarding a ‘Trust Seal’ to platforms that comply with the standard in order to enhance consumer confidence, presenting the recommendations, CAN Federation Senior Vice-President and cyber security expert Chiranjivi Adhikari said.

Robbers Loot Nepal SBI Bank Branch in Sindhuli, Injuring Security Guard

A group of masked robbers looted a branch of Nepal SBI Bank in Ghyanglekh Rural Municipality of Sindhuli district on Tuesday, seriously injuring a security guard who tried to stop the attack, police said. According to the District Police Office, a group of about half a dozen assailants entered the bank at around 7 pm., assaulted the on-duty security guard with a sharp weapon, and forced their way inside. The attackers restrained bank employees by tying their hands before looting cash. Police said the security guard was injured while resisting the robbers and is currently receiving treatment at a local health post. A police team has reached the scene, but authorities have yet to confirm the exact amount of money stolen. An investigation is under way, and security forces have launched an intensified search operation to track down the suspects.

Annual Report of Financial Information Unit Unveiled 

The Financial Information Unit (FIU) of the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has unveiled its annual report for the last fiscal year 2024/25.The report details the policy and operational activities and programs carried out by the unit concerning the prevention of money laundering, financing of terrorism, and the financing of the production and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction in Nepal. The report includes the reports of suspicious transactions received by the unit, their analysis, submitted data, details regarding internal and international coordination, as well as upcoming strategic priorities. The unit stated that in the fiscal year 2081/82 (2024/25), guidance regarding information security, confidentiality, and usage was prepared. Similarly, the annual report mentions that the unit completed tasks such as issuing and updating the ‘Go-AML Operation Guideline’ and updating guidance related to suspicious transactions and border transactions. Additionally, the unit conducted targeted capacity development, orientation, and awareness programs throughout the year for reporting institutions, regulatory bodies, law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders.

China’s Foreign Trade Hits New High, Up 3.8 pct in 2025 

China’s foreign trade expanded 3.8 percent year on year in yuan terms in 2025, official data showed on Wednesday. Last year, the country’s foreign trade value hit 45.47 trillion yuan (about 6.48 trillion US dollars), according to data released by the General Administration of Customs. This marks the ninth consecutive year of growth for China’s foreign trade since 2017. Exports grew 6.1 percent year on year to 26.99 trillion yuan in 2025. Imports reached a record 18.48 trillion yuan, with a year-on-year growth of 0.5 percent, cementing China’s status as the world’s second-largest import market for 17 years in succession. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), China’s cumulative import and export value had exceeded 200 trillion yuan, representing a 40-percent surge from the 13th Five-Year Plan period and an average annual growth rate of 7.1 percent. At a government press conference held in Beijing on Wednesday, Wang Jun, deputy head of the General Administration of Customs, said that China’s foreign trade achievements are “truly remarkable and hard-won” amid global economic challenges.

Study Finds Majority of MSMEs in Decline, Calls for Policy Reforms

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which form the backbone of Nepal’s economy, are facing declining performance despite multiple government and central bank support programs, according to a new study conducted by Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB). MSMEs account for 99.8 percent of Nepal’s total establishments (923,356), employ 84.7 percent of the workforce (3.23 million people), contribute 62.2 percent of annual sales (Rs 2,915.6 billion), and represent 99.96 percent of enterprises led by female managers. Despite this dominant role in employment, value addition, innovation, and social inclusion, the sector continues to face structural and policy challenges. The findings are based on a special study carried out by NRB’s Birgunj Office, which surveyed 321 MSMEs in Chitwan and Makwanpur districts using a multi-stage stratified random sampling method. Data were collected through standard questionnaires and field interviews and analyzed using descriptive statistics and econometric techniques.