KATHMANDU: The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index closed slightly lower on Monday, the first trading day of the week, after a volatile session. The benchmark index fell by 1.46 points, or 0.05%, to settle at 2,700.65 points, while turnover edged up compared to the previous session.

The Sensitive Index also dipped marginally, while broader indicators showed mixed movement. A total of 8.13 million shares were traded through 90,862 transactions, generating a turnover of Rs 4.44 billion. Market breadth was negative, with more decliners than gainers, as 10 of 13 sectoral indices closed in the red.

Finance, trading, and microfinance sectors posted gains, while hydropower, insurance, and banking sectors declined. Two hydropower companies hit the 15% upper circuit, while Sopan Pharmaceuticals led turnover.