KATHMANDU: The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index increased by 34.61 points today, closing at 2,794.78 points.

A total of 330 companies were traded today, with 43,111,416 shares changing hands through 99,505 transactions. The total turnover reached NPR 14.03 billion (NPR 14,034,839,880).

In today’s trading, the Trading subgroup declined by 0.18%, while all other sub-indices recorded gains. The Development Bank subgroup posted the highest rise, gaining 3.86%. Other sectoral gains included: Banking up by 1.59%, Finance by 0.75%, Hotels and Tourism by 0.59%, Hydropower by 1.28%, and Investment by 0.52%.

Likewise, Manufacturing and Processing rose by 1.39%, Microfinance by 1.85%, Mutual Funds by 1.58%, Non-life Insurance by 1.85%, and the others group by 0.33%.

Out of the traded companies, the share prices of 193 increased, while 55 declined. KBIL Debenture-2090 and Three Star Hydropower Limited hit the upper circuit limit today, indicating the maximum permitted daily gain.

Meanwhile, Mai Khola Hydropower Limited recorded the biggest loss, with its share price falling by 7.87%.