KATHMANDU: On the third trading day of the week, Wednesday, the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) recorded a minor decline. Today, NEPSE fell by 2.95 points to settle at 2,804.17 points. This is 0.10 percent lower than the previous trading day. However, the Sensitive Index increased by 0.65 points to close at 471.22 points, an increase of 0.13 percent.

In the share market on Wednesday, at least 17,588,854 unit shares of 342 companies were traded through 121,433 transactions. Accordingly, a turnover of Rs 7.813 billion was recorded on Wednesday. This follows a turnover of Rs 5.434 billion on Monday and Rs 5.774 billion on Tuesday.

The share prices of 121 companies increased in the share market today, while 138 companies saw a decline and 10 remained stable. Out of the 13 sectors traded on NEPSE today, the sub-indices of five groups increased while eight groups declined.

Specifically, on Wednesday, the Commercial Bank group index rose by 0.12 percent, while the Development Bank fell by 0.27 percent. Finance increased by 0.58 percent. The hotel and tourism group index dropped by 2.36 percent, and the hydropower group index fell by 0.06 percent. Similarly, the investment group index rose by 0.09 percent, while life insurance declined by 0.25 percent.

Furthermore, Manufacturing and Processing rose by 0.25 percent, while Microfinance fell by 0.15 percent and Mutual Funds by 0.40 percent. The non-life insurance group index increased by 0.38 percent, while others fell by 0.03 percent, and the trading group sub-index dropped by 1.10 percent.

On Wednesday, the share price of Palpa Cement Industries hit the positive circuit on NEPSE, with investors earning 15 percent. Conversely, the share price of Hotel Forest Inn fell by 10.75 percent.

In terms of turnover amount, National Hydropower Company was the leader. Today, a turnover of Rs 413.4 million was recorded for National Hydropower.

Similarly, in terms of the number of shares traded, National Hydropower Company remained at the forefront today as well. At least 1,359,116 unit shares of National were traded on Wednesday. This compares to 938,127 units on Monday and 777,373 units on Tuesday. Its final trading price was maintained at Rs 310 per unit.