The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) Index recorded a gain of 6.37 points today, climbing by 0.30% to close at 2,121.62 points. This follows an increase of 33.15 points in the previous trading session, indicating a positive trend in the market.

Today’s trading session began with the NEPSE Index at 2,116.91 points. Throughout the day, the index hit an intraday high of 2,134.12 points and a low of 2,116.33 points before settling at 2,121.62 points.

In total, 312 stocks were traded across 74,858 transactions. The trading volume reached 12,950,407 shares, resulting in an overall turnover of Rs. 5.89 Arba. The market capitalization stood at Rs. 33.64 Kharba, with a float market capitalization of Rs. 11.41 Kharba.

Leading the market in turnover was NRN Infrastructure and Development Limited (NRN), achieving Rs. 27.63 crores and closing at Rs. 694 per share.

Four companies recorded the highest gains, each surging by 10% and hitting the positive circuit, showcasing significant market optimism.

On the downside, Sayapatri Hydropower Limited (SPHL) experienced the most substantial loss, falling by 4.48%.

Sector performance was mixed, with four sector indices ending the day in negative territory. The “Finance Index” saw the highest sectoral gain of 1.07%, while the “Hydropower Index” recorded the largest decline, dropping by 0.61%.

The price of gold has increased by Rs. 600 per tola today, according to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association (FENEGOSIDA). Fine gold now costs Rs. 1,41,600 per tola, up from Rs. 1,41,000 per tola yesterday.

Tejabi gold also experienced a rise, now priced at Rs. 1,40,900 per tola, compared to Rs. 1,40,300 per tola the previous day.

The highest recorded price for fine gold was Rs. 1,45,000 per tola on June 7, 2024.

Silver prices have also climbed by Rs. 5 per tola, reaching Rs. 1,820 per tola, up from Rs. 1,815 per tola yesterday.

These increases reflect ongoing influences from both domestic markets and international trends. Currently, the international gold rate is $2,312.20 per ounce, with silver priced at $29.31 per ounce globally.

Nerude Mirmire Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (NMLBBL) has successfully completed all necessary procedures to update its promoter to public shareholding ratio and has submitted a request to NEPSE to record the revised securities structure.

Following this modification, out of the total 13,977,643 shares listed on NEPSE, the promoter group now holds 7,196,505.74 shares, representing 51.49% of the total shares. Meanwhile, the general public’s stake has increased to 6,781,136.98 shares, constituting 48.51% of the total shareholding. This update has been recorded as per the decision made on Jestha 28, 2081.

The shareholding update comes after a significant merger between Nerude Laghubitta and Mirmire Laghubitta. The two microfinance institutions signed a merger agreement on Poush 11, 2079, with a share swap ratio of 1:1. Prior to the merger, the share capital of NLBBL and MMFDB stood at Rs. 73.20 Crores and Rs. 66.57 Crores, respectively. Post-merger, the combined share capital reached an impressive Rs. 1.39 Arba.

Following the successful merger, NLBBL and MMFDB began joint operations under the name “Nerude Mirmire Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited” on Falgun 30, 2080. This consolidation in the Nepali microfinance sector is expected to enhance operational efficiency, expand market reach, and contribute to greater financial inclusion in the country.

The increased public shareholding in NMLBBL also presents an attractive investment opportunity for Nepali investors looking to participate in the growth of the microfinance sector.

United Modi Hydropower Limited (UMHL) held its 10th Annual General Meeting on Jestha 27th at Kalimati Banquet in Kathmandu. The meeting saw significant decisions, including the approval of a 1:1 rights share issuance and the election of Nabin Silwal, Abinash Pandit, Sapana Gurung, and Sunil Bhakta Shrestha to the board of directors.

The AGM, chaired by Renuka Pandey, endorsed the annual report and financial statements for FY 2079/080. The shareholders also appointed an auditor for FY 2080/081 and authorized the board to explore new investment opportunities. A major highlight was the approval of investment in the 50 MW Mewa Khola Hydroelectric Project and an increase in the authorized capital to support this expansion.

The 1:1 rights share issuance will be based on UMHL’s current paid-up capital of Rs. 1,23,05,00,000, thereby boosting the company’s authorized and issued capital. To accommodate these changes, necessary amendments to the company’s memorandum and articles of association were approved.

The board received full authority to undertake required procedures with regulatory bodies such as the Electricity Regulatory Commission, Securities Board of Nepal, Nepal Stock Exchange Limited, and the Office of the Company Registrar. The event also featured energy entrepreneur and former chairman Narendra Ballabh Pant.

Kumari Capital Limited has announced the auction of 45,57,912 units of promoter shares of Kumari Bank Limited (KBL) starting today, Jestha 28, and running until Ashad 3, 2081. The auction is open to interested general public and institutions. The minimum bid rate is set at Rs. 100, and the minimum bid quantity is 1,00,000 units. Kumari Capital Limited will serve as the auction manager for this process.

Additionally, the current promoters of Kumari Bank Limited are auctioning 3,54,555 units of shares to interested promoter shareholders from today. The breakdown of the shares being sold includes 6,055 units by Mandira Maharjan Dangol, 48,500 units by Bimal Kumar Timalsina, and 3,00,000 units by Rajan Prasad Amatya. Only existing promoters are eligible to participate in this auction, which will be open for 35 days from the notice publication date of Jestha 27.

Bids must be submitted at either the central office of Kumari Bank located in Tangal, Kathmandu, or at Kumari Capital Limited in Naxal, Nagpokhari, Kathmandu. If no bids are received from the existing promoters within the specified timeframe, the shares will be made available to the general public in a subsequent auction.

As of the latest update, Kumari Bank Limited (KBL) has a last traded price (LTP) of Rs. 138.00, while its promoter shares (KBLPO) have an LTP of Rs. 104.00.

The price of fine gold in Nepal has seen a notable decline, dropping by Rs. 500 per tola, according to the latest report released by the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association (FENEGOSIDA).

Fine gold is now valued at Rs. 1,42,200 per tola, marking a Rs. 500 decrease from its previous closing rate of Rs. 1,42,700 per tola. Similarly, Tejabi gold has also experienced a price reduction, standing at Rs. 141,500 per tola, down by Rs. 500 from its closing price of Rs. 1,42,000 per tola the previous day.

This decline contrasts with the recent peak on June 4, 2024, when fine gold reached an all-time high of Rs. 1,42,700 per tola in the Nepali market.

Additionally, the price of silver has also seen a downturn, with a decrease of Rs. 35 per tola. The current market rate for silver stands at Rs. 1,860 per tola, compared to yesterday’s closing rate of Rs. 1,825 per tola.

Both domestic and international markets have witnessed this downward trend in precious metal prices. Globally, the latest update indicates the price of gold at $2,341.30 per ounce, while silver is experiencing negative momentum, with prices reaching $29.70 per ounce.

The fluctuations in gold and silver prices are closely watched by investors, traders, and consumers alike, as they navigate the dynamics of the bullion market and make informed decisions regarding their investments and purchases.

The existing promoter of Kumari Bank Limited (KBL), Niva Saiju, is auctioning 16,830 units of shares to interested promoter shareholders, starting from today.

Only existing promoters of KBL are eligible to bid for the auction within 35 days from the date of publication of this notice, i.e., 23rd Jestha.

Shareholders should submit their bids at the central office of the bank located at Tangal, Kathmandu, or at Kumari Capital Limited located at Naxal, Nagpokhari, Kathmandu. If no bids are received from existing founder shareholders within the specified timeframe, the shares will later be auctioned to the general public.

KBL’s share price closed at Rs. 142.80 on the latest trading day, while the partially paid-up rights shares (KBLPO) have a last traded price of Rs. 104.00.

This auction notice provides an opportunity for existing promoters of Kumari Bank Limited to increase their stake in the bank’s promoter group. The sale of these promoter shares by Niva Saiju could potentially lead to a reshuffling of the bank’s ownership structure and promoter group composition.

As the auction process unfolds, investors and market participants will closely monitor the developments, as they could have implications for the bank’s future strategic direction and governance.

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) Index registered a decrease of 0.26% today, shedding 5.58 points to close at 2,079.71 levels. This decline follows a previous session gain of 6.22 points.

The trading session began with the index at 2,087.74 points. During the day, the index fluctuated, reaching an intraday high of 2,091.88 points and a low of 2,072.31 points before settling at the closing level of 2,079.71 points.

Today’s trading involved 306 stocks across 49,733 transactions, with a trading volume of 8,042,767 shares. The total turnover amounted to Rs. 3.99 Arba, while the market capitalization stood at Rs. 32.97 Kharba, and the float market capitalization was Rs. 11.19 Kharba.

NRN Infrastructure and Development Limited (NRN) led the market in turnover, achieving Rs. 19.03 crores and closing at Rs. 605 per share.

Meanwhile, Bhagawati Hydropower Development Company Limited (BGWT) recorded the highest gain, surging 10% and hitting the positive circuit breaker.

On the downside, Upper Lohore Khola Hydropower Company Limited (ULHC) experienced a notable decline, dropping 5.51% to close at Rs. 377 per share.

In terms of sector performance, four sector indices ended in the green. The “Mutual Fund Index” saw the highest sectoral gain of 4.92%, while the “Trading Index” recorded the largest loss of 1.03%.

Despite the overall index decline, the robust trading volume and mixed sectoral performance indicate sustained investor interest and varying dynamics across different segments of the Nepali stock market.

In the latest update from the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association (FENEGOSIDA), the price of fine gold has witnessed a significant drop of Rs. 1,000 per tola. Currently, fine gold is being traded at a rate of Rs. 1,41,000 per tola, marking a decrease from its previous rate of Rs. 1,42,000 per tola.

Similarly, the price of Tejabi gold has also fallen by Rs. 1,000 per tola, now standing at Rs. 1,40,300 per tola, down from its earlier rate of Rs. 1,41,300 per tola. It is worth noting that the highest recorded price for fine gold in Nepal was on May 31, 2024, when it reached a staggering Rs. 1,42,200 per tola.

The silver market has also experienced a slight decline, with the current market rate at Rs. 1,835 per tola, reflecting a decrease of Rs. 15 from the previous day’s rate of Rs. 1,850 per tola.

These price adjustments in Nepal’s precious metal markets are in line with global trends, as the international gold rate now stands at $2,316.60 per ounce, and silver is traded at $29.85 per ounce.

As consumers and investors closely monitor the fluctuations in precious metal prices, it remains crucial to stay updated with the latest market trends and insights from authoritative sources like FENEGOSIDA.

The investment community in Nepal eagerly awaits the presentation of the national budget for the fiscal year 2081/82 by the Honorable Finance Minister on Jestha 15, 2081. Investors are hopeful that the new budget will include provisions to support and boost the capital market sector.

Currently, the Securities Board of Nepal mandates a withholding tax on capital gains from securities listed on the Nepal Stock Exchange. Investors holding shares for more than 365 days are subject to a 5% tax on capital gains, while those holding shares for 365 days or less are subject to a 7.5% tax.

Investor associations are advocating for key amendments to these tax regulations. They propose that the withholding tax be converted into a final tax and that the Income Tax Act’s schedules be revised accordingly. Specifically, they are calling for the short-term capital gains tax (for shares held for 365 days or less) to be reduced to 5% and the long-term capital gains tax (for shares held for more than 365 days) to be reduced to 3%.

These amendments aim to encourage individual participation in share trading and simplify tax collection and record-keeping processes. The investor community believes that such changes will boost investor confidence, increase trading volumes, and ultimately enhance government revenue through higher tax collections.

The Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) has approved the “7% Nepal SBI Bank Debenture, 2090” for its pipeline. The debenture issue is valued at Rs 3 Arba.

Nepal SBI Bank Limited (SBI) plans to issue 3,000,000 units of the debenture, each priced at Rs 1000. Out of these, 12 lakh units will be available to the general public, while the remaining 18 lakh units will be allocated for private placement.

Nabil Investment Banking Limited is managing this debenture issuance. The application for the debenture was submitted to SEBON on Jestha 2, 2081.

The 7% Nepal SBI Bank Debenture, 2090, as the name indicates, offers a 7% annual return to its unitholders and has a maturity period of 10 years, set to mature in 2090 BS.

NIC Asia Bank Limited (NICA) is set to auction 50,000 units of promoter shares of Citizen Investment Trust (CIT) to qualified investors from Jestha 13 to Jestha 20, 2081.

The auction invites qualified investors to bid on the promoter shares, with a minimum bid rate set at Rs. 758 per share and a minimum bid quantity of 10,000 units. Bids must be submitted at the bank’s central office located at Trade Tower Nepal, Thapathali, Kathmandu. While investors can bid for the entire issue, they must comply with Nepal Rastra Bank’s regulations regarding the maximum quantity of shares per entity.

As of now, CIT’s last trading price (LTP) is Rs. 2,168.2, and CITPO’s LTP stands at Rs. 717.