Tag: Arun

  • Nepal’s Macroeconomic Snapshot: Resilient Remittances, Forex Stability, and Balanced Trade Dynamics in the First Seven Months of 2023/24

    Nepal’s Macroeconomic Snapshot: Resilient Remittances, Forex Stability, and Balanced Trade Dynamics in the First Seven Months of 2023/24


    The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), the central bank of Nepal, has presented an overview of the country’s macroeconomic and financial situation based on data from the first seven months, ending mid-February of 2023/24.

    Overall

    According to NRB, the inflation rate was estimated at 5.01% on a year-on-year basis. The gross foreign exchange reserves reached USD 13.89 billion. Total imports decreased by 2.3%, exports by 7.1%, and the trade deficit by 1.8%. The NEPSE index stood at 2101.16.

    Inflation

    Year-on-year consumer price inflation moderated to 5.01% in mid-February 2024, compared to 7.88% a year ago. Wholesale price inflation stood at 2.82% in mid-February 2024.

    Import and Export

    Merchandise exports decreased by 7.1% to Rs. 86.83 billion, while merchandise imports decreased by 2.3% to Rs. 897.94 billion. The total trade deficit decreased by 1.8% to Rs. 811.11 billion.

    Services and Remittance

    Net services income remained at a deficit of Rs. 37.26 billion, while remittance inflows increased by 21.6% to Rs. 839 billion.

    Inter-bank Transaction

    BFIs inter-bank transactions amounted to Rs. 2872.44 billion. The price of oil decreased to USD 83.88 per barrel, and the price of gold increased to USD 2015.20 per ounce.

    Foreign Exchange Reserves

    Gross foreign exchange reserves increased to Rs. 1844.94 billion. Reserves held by NRB and other institutions increased, and the Indian currency’s share in total reserves stood at 22.6%.

    Exchange Rate

    The Nepalese currency depreciated by 1.05% against the US dollar.

    Nepal Government Expenditure and Revenue

    Total government expenditure stood at Rs. 686.75 billion, with revenue mobilization reaching Rs. 567.40 billion.

    Cash Balance of Government

    The cash balance at various accounts of the Government of Nepal (GoN) maintained with NRB stood at Rs. 215.26 billion.

    Banking

    Domestic credit increased by 3.2%, deposits at Banks and Financial Institutions (BFIs) increased by 7.0%, and private sector credit from BFIs increased by 4.1%.

    Interest Rates

    Average base rates of commercial banks, development banks, and finance companies stood at 9.06%, 11.13%, and 12.70%, respectively.

    Balance of Payments

    The Balance of Payments (BOP) remained at a surplus of Rs. 297.72 billion.

  • Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Lists 10,590,000 Units of Right Shares on NEPSE

    Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Lists 10,590,000 Units of Right Shares on NEPSE


    A total of 10,590,000 units of right shares from Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Limited (UPPER) have been officially listed on the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE). The company had previously issued a 1:1 ratio of right shares, amounting to 10,590,000 units, made available to its shareholders during the period from the 18th of Bhadra to the 22nd of Ashwin, 2080. However, only 8,888,047 units were subscribed by eligible shareholders, and the remaining 1,701,953 units of unsubscribed right shares were subsequently auctioned from the 13th to the 29th of Poush, 2080.

    The auctioned right shares, which did not find subscribers during the initial offering, were sold at a cut-off price of Rs. 147. As a result, the total paid-up capital of Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Limited now stands at Rs. 21.18 billion. The listing of these 10,590,000 units of right shares on NEPSE has been completed, and Sunrise Capital Limited acted as the auction manager for the company.

    As of the latest information, the Last Traded Price (LTP) for UPPER on the stock exchange is Rs. 205.00.

  • Barahi Hydropower Receives Final Approval for 1:1 Right Share Issuance to Fund Key Projects

    Barahi Hydropower Receives Final Approval for 1:1 Right Share Issuance to Fund Key Projects


    The final approval from the Electricity Regulatory Commission has been granted to Barahi Hydropower Public Limited (BHPL) for the issuance of right shares in a 1:1 ratio for its shareholders. The hydropower company had proposed to issue 100% right shares based on its paid-up capital of Rs. 25 Crores. Following the adjustment of the proposed right shares, totaling 2,500,000 units, the company’s paid-up capital is set to double to Rs. 50 Crores.

    The primary purpose behind the issuance of these right shares is to fund the construction of two hydropower projects owned by BHPL – the Simkosh Khola Hydroelectric Project (3.45 MW) and Lower Theule Khola Hydropower Project (0.75 MW).

    It’s important to note that the company will proceed with the issuance of right shares to its shareholders only upon receiving approval from the Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON). As of the latest update, BHPL closed at Rs. 479.00.

  • NEPSE Records Double-Digit Gain, Led by Non-Life Insurance Sector – March 7, 2024

    NEPSE Records Double-Digit Gain, Led by Non-Life Insurance Sector – March 7, 2024


    The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) witnessed a notable increase of 13.51 points, equivalent to 0.67%, closing at 2,030.55 points compared to the previous day. This gain followed a positive trend from the previous trading session, where the index experienced an increase of 9.33 points.

    The trading day commenced with the NEPSE index opening at 2,020.95, reaching an intraday low of 2,017.00, and achieving an intraday high of 2,040.90.

    Throughout today’s trading activities, a total of 309 different stocks were traded in 47,699 transactions. The volume of shares traded amounted to 8,929,152, with a total turnover of Rs. 3.19 Arba. The market capitalization stood at Rs. 31.91 Kharba, and the float market capitalization was Rs. 10.90 Kharba.

    Nepal Reinsurance Company Limited Promoter Share (NRICP) took the lead in turnover, reaching Rs. 56.20 crores.

    Among the gainers in today’s trading, Peoples Hydropower Company Limited (PHCL) exhibited the highest increase of 10%, followed by Chirkhwa Hydropower Limited (CKHL) with a gain of 8.97%.

    Conversely, NIC ASIA Growth Fund-2 (NICGF2) faced the highest loss of 6.21%, trailed by Samling Power Company Limited (SPC) with a loss of 5.02%.

    In the sector indices, three sectors closed in the red today. The “Non-Life Insurance Index” recorded the highest gain of 1.56%, while the “Mutual Fund Index” experienced a loss of 0.79%.

  • Khani Khola Hydropower Company’s Rs. 46.57 Crore Right Share Issue Under SEBON Review

    Khani Khola Hydropower Company’s Rs. 46.57 Crore Right Share Issue Under SEBON Review


    The Securities Exchange Board of Nepal (SEBON) has included the right shares of Khani Khola Hydropower Company Limited (KKHC) in its preliminary review process. The company submitted the application to the board on Falgun 17, 2080.

    Khani Khola Hydropower Company Limited plans to issue 100% right shares, amounting to Rs. 46.57 Crores. This will involve the issuance of 4,657,143 (1:1) units of right shares to its existing shareholders. Currently, the company’s paid-up capital stands at Rs. 46.57 Crore. With the proposed right share adjustment, the paid-up capital is set to increase to Rs. 93.14 Crore.

    Citizens Capital Limited has been appointed as the issue manager for this process.

  • Hathway Investment Nepal Limited to Conclude Lock-In Period for 36,512 Mutual Fund Shares on March 1, 2080

    Hathway Investment Nepal Limited to Conclude Lock-In Period for 36,512 Mutual Fund Shares on March 1, 2080


    Hathway Investment Nepal Limited (HATHY) has notified its investors and stakeholders regarding the impending expiration of the lock-in period for 36,512 unit shares held by Mutual Funds. The Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) has directed that this lock-in period will conclude on 1st Chaitra, 2080.

    HATHY, with a total of 25,740,000 units of shares listed on the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE), had allocated 5 percent of 29,25,000 shares exclusively for Mutual Funds, resulting in the issuance of 146,250 unit shares. However, only 36,512 units are currently subject to the lock-in period.

    In compliance with SEBON’s directives issued on Mangsir 25, a portion of these shares, precisely 36,512 units, were placed under a lock-in period. Stakeholders and investors are now informed that the lock-in period for these 36,512 unit shares concluded on Chaitra 1.

    The closing market price for HATHY stood at Rs. 863.90 as of the previous trading day.

  • Nepal’s Gold Market Surges to Unprecedented Heights, Breaking Records Once Again on March 6, 2024

    Nepal’s Gold Market Surges to Unprecedented Heights, Breaking Records Once Again on March 6, 2024


    The gold market in Nepal witnessed yet another remarkable surge, surpassing the record set just the day before, reaching an unparalleled peak on March 6, 2024. The Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association reported an extraordinary single-day increase of Rs. 500, driving the price of fine gold to an unprecedented rate of Rs. 1,23,500 per tola. This surge comes on the heels of the historical milestone achieved on March 5, 2024, when fine gold reached Rs. 1,23,000 per tola.

    Tejabi gold, another highly coveted variety, also experienced a notable rise, currently priced at Rs. 1,22,900 per tola, marking an increase from its previous rate of Rs. 1,22,400. However, silver prices saw a slight decline of Rs. 5 per tola, with the current market rate standing at Rs. 1,440 per tola, in contrast to the previous day’s closing rate of Rs. 1,445 per tola.

    As the domestic market witnesses a substantial increase in prices, the international market continues to play a significant role. As of the latest update, the current gold rate stands at $2,125.90 per ounce. Meanwhile, silver is also experiencing positive momentum globally, with prices reaching $23.59 per ounce.

  • NEPSE Bounces Back: Registers 0.46% Gain Amidst Political Uncertainty

    NEPSE Bounces Back: Registers 0.46% Gain Amidst Political Uncertainty


    The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) Index rebounded with a notable gain of 9.33 points or 0.46% from the previous day’s setback, closing at 2,017.03 points. This positive momentum followed a recent session where the index faced a significant loss of 70.31 points.

    The trading day commenced with the index opening at 2,008.93, reaching an intraday low of 1,992.34, and achieving an intraday high of 2,036.32. During today’s trading, a total of 308 different stocks were traded in 58,940 transactions. The volume of shares traded amounted to 9,138,154, resulting in a total turnover of Rs. 3.45 Arba. The market capitalization stood at Rs. 31.70 Kharba, with a float market capitalization of Rs. 10.82 Kharba.

    Sonapur Minerals And Oil Limited (SONA) led in turnover, reaching Rs. 33.37 crores and closing at a market price of Rs. 514.

    In terms of gains, Dolti Power Company Limited (DOLTI) stood out with the highest gain of 10%, followed by Swarojgar Laghu Bitta Bikas Bank Ltd. (SLBBL) with an 8.70% increase.

    Conversely, Molung Hydropower Company Limited (MHCL) faced the highest loss of 9.71%, followed by Global IME Balanced Fund-1 (GIBF1) with a 5.54% decline.

    Among the sector indices, the “Finance Index” experienced the highest gain of 1.68%, while the “Banking Index” recorded a slight loss of 0.10%.

    The market’s recent volatility is attributed to political uncertainty, and despite this, it concluded on a positive note with the mentioned gain in the NEPSE Index.

  • Gold Prices Soar to Record Highs in Nepal on March 5, 2024

    Gold Prices Soar to Record Highs in Nepal on March 5, 2024


    The gold market in Nepal saw an extraordinary surge, reaching an unprecedented all-time high on March 5, 2024. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, fine gold recorded a remarkable single-day increase of Rs. 2,000, soaring to an extraordinary rate of Rs. 1,23,000 per tola. This surge surpassed the previous record set on December 28, 2023, when fine gold had reached Rs. 1,22,000 per tola.

    Tejabi gold, another highly coveted variety, also witnessed a noteworthy rise, currently valued at Rs. 1,22,400 per tola, up from its previous rate of Rs. 1,20,400.

    In a parallel trend, the price of silver also experienced an increase on the same day, with a gain of 35 rupees, bringing the current silver price to Rs. 1,445 per tola. In comparison, the silver price on the previous Monday was recorded at Rs. 1,410 per tola.

    While the domestic market witnessed an upswing in prices, it’s noteworthy that the international market also plays a significant role. As of the latest update, the current gold rate stands at $2,114.80 per ounce. Internationally, silver is also experiencing positive momentum, with prices reaching $23.67 per ounce.

  • NEPSE Faces Sharp Decline of 3.38%

    NEPSE Faces Sharp Decline of 3.38%


    The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) Index faced a significant setback, recording a loss of 70.31 points or 3.38% from the previous day’s closing, concluding at 2,007.69 points. The market witnessed a remarkable surge of 6% on the preceding day, leading to a series of trading halts and ultimately resulting in the early closure of the market. The total turnover in NEPSE during this period reached an impressive Rs 37.52 Crores, with the market concluding at 2,078 points, reflecting a noteworthy triple-digit gain of 117.70 points.

    The trading day commenced with the NEPSE index opening at 2,094.71, experiencing an intraday low of 2,003.77 and reaching a peak at 2,095.19. In today’s trading session, 316 different stocks were traded in 69,208 transactions, with a total volume of shares traded amounting to 11,467,599 and a turnover of Rs. 4.11 Arba. The market’s total capitalization stood at Rs. 31.55 Kharba, with a float market capitalization of Rs. 10.78 Kharba.

    Sonapur Minerals And Oil Limited (SONA) dominated the turnover, reaching Rs. 41.91 crores, and closed at a market price of Rs. 493.80. Among the gainers, Gurans Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (GLBSL) led with a gain of 8.73%, followed by Global IME Balanced Fund-1 (GIBF1) with a gain of 7.85%. On the downside, Bottlers Nepal (Balaju) Limited (BNL) suffered the most significant loss of 10%, trailed by Joshi Hydropower Development Company Ltd (JOSHI) with a loss of 9.99%.

    Regarding sector indices, only the “Mutual Fund Index” managed to close in the green, gaining 0.66%, while the “Others Index” experienced the most substantial loss at 4.35%.

  • NEPSE Index Declines by 3.38% in Market Setback Following Previous Day’s Surge

    NEPSE Index Declines by 3.38% in Market Setback Following Previous Day’s Surge


    The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) Index faced a notable setback, witnessing a decline of 70.31 points or 3.38% from the prior day’s close, settling at 2,007.69 points. This followed a remarkable 6% surge in the market on the previous day, which led to a series of trading halts and ultimately resulted in an early closure for the entire day. The total turnover during this eventful session amounted to an impressive Rs 37.52 Crores, and the market concluded at 2,078 points, showcasing a substantial gain of 117.70 points.

    The trading day commenced with the index opening at 2,094.71, experiencing an intraday low of 2,003.77, and reaching an intraday high of 2,095.19. In today’s trading, 316 different stocks were traded in 69,208 transactions, with a total volume of shares reaching 11,467,599 and a turnover of Rs. 4.11 Arba. The market capitalization stood at Rs. 31.55 Kharba, featuring a float market capitalization of Rs. 10.78 Kharba.

    Sonapur Minerals And Oil Limited (SONA) led in turnover, reaching Rs. 41.91 crores and closing at a market price of Rs. 493.80. Gurans Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (GLBSL) exhibited the highest gain of 8.73%, followed by Global IME Balanced Fund-1 (GIBF1) with a gain of 7.85%.

    Conversely, Bottlers Nepal (Balaju) Limited (BNL) faced the highest loss of 10%, trailed by Joshi Hydropower Development Company Ltd (JOSHI) with a decline of 9.99%. In terms of sector indices, only the “Mutual Fund Index” closed in positive territory, gaining the highest at 0.66%, while the “Others Index” experienced the most significant loss with 4.35%

  • NEPSE Temporarily Suspends Trading as Benchmark Index Surges 4.04%

    NEPSE Temporarily Suspends Trading as Benchmark Index Surges 4.04%


    The Nepal Stock Exchange Limited (NEPSE) encountered a rapid surge, witnessing a significant 4.04% increase within the initial three minutes of the market opening today, reaching a level of 2,039.60 points. This substantial rise prompted NEPSE to implement a temporary suspension of its operations. The total turnover during this brief period amounted to 14.8 Crore. The market is scheduled to resume at 11:23 AM.

    NEPSE employs an Index-based Circuit Breaker system to manage extreme market movements, with triggers set at 4%, 5%, and 6% in either direction. These circuit breakers are designed to instigate trading halts across all equities, serving to maintain stability and prevent excessive volatility.

    Specifically, a 4% movement in either direction results in a 20-minute trading halt if it occurs during the first hour of trading (before 12:00 hours). However, if this movement takes place after 12:00 hours, there will be no trading halt, and normal market operations will continue.

    A 5% movement triggers a 40-minute trading halt if it occurs before 13:00 hours. In case the movement happens after 13:00 hours, there will be no trading halt at this level, and the market will resume its trading activities.

    A 6% movement, in either direction, leads to a complete trading halt for the remainder of the day. These measures are in place to ensure a systematic approach to handling market fluctuations and safeguarding against extreme volatility.