Nepal saw a significant improvement in its trade balance in fiscal year 2079/80 as trade deficits decreased by 15.45% compared to the previous year 2078/79. This improvement was mainly due to a sharp decline in imports, which dropped by 16.08% during the same period. The government’s strict measures played a crucial role in reducing imports, and according to the Customs Department’s data, the total imports stood at Rs. 16.11 Kharba in the financial year 2079/80.
Kamana Sewa Bikas Bank has recently introduced new loan schemes with an attractive interest rate of 12.12%. These schemes offer customers the opportunity to access various types of loans, including home loans, MSME loans (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises), and EV loans (Electric Vehicle loans), all at a reduced interest rate compared to standard loan offerings.
Under the home loan scheme, eligible borrowers can receive loans up to 60% of the collateral’s valuation. The repayment period for these home loans can extend up to 30 years, providing customers with a long-term financing option for their residential property needs. However, it is essential to note that the loan amount must not exceed Rs. 1.50 crore to qualify for this particular loan scheme.
For those seeking financial support for their MSME ventures, the bank is offering loans equivalent to 80% of the collateral’s valuation. This can be a significant boost for small and medium-sized enterprises looking to expand or invest in their businesses.
As for the EV loan, the bank provides borrowers with the opportunity to access funding up to 80% of the vehicle’s price, making it more affordable for customers interested in purchasing electric vehicles.
To further streamline the loan application process and enhance customer convenience, Kamana Sewa Bikas Bank is ensuring that applicants receive the loan amount promptly. According to their media statement, once applicants submit all the necessary documentation, they can expect to receive the loan amount within three working days.
Overall, these new loan schemes by Kamana Sewa Bikas Bank aim to offer competitive interest rates and faster loan processing to cater to the diverse financial needs of their customers, ranging from homeownership to business expansion and environmentally friendly vehicle purchases.
During the past week, the NEPSE index experienced significant gains, closing at 2,263.92 after an impressive rise of 78.99 points, equivalent to 3.79%. The previous week had also seen a positive performance, with the index closing at 2,084.93 and recording a gain of 1.73% from the week before that.
Throughout the week, the index displayed volatility, fluctuating between its highest point of 2,177.76 and its lowest point of 2,079.39, resulting in a total volatility of 98.37 points. This marked an increase in volatility compared to the previous week, which had witnessed fluctuations of 71.91 points.
The substantial gains in the NEPSE index during the week indicate positive market sentiment and investor confidence, contributing to the overall growth in the stock market.
The stock markets experienced fresh record highs today, with the Sensex surging by 474 points, coming close to reaching the 20,000 mark for Nifty. Among the top gainers, ITC stood out, reaching an all-time high of Rs 492 on the BSE and becoming part of the prestigious Rs 6 trillion market cap club, which includes esteemed companies like Reliance Industries, Tata Consultancy Services, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Hindustan Unilever, and Infosys.
Despite some fluctuations in trading, the key domestic indices performed exceptionally well, primarily driven by the excitement surrounding the listing of Jio Financial Services following a special pre-open session for Reliance Industries. The Sensex reached an intraday high of 67,619.17, while the Nifty50 almost touched the significant milestone of 20,000, closing at 19,991.85.
Sector-wise, most indices concluded the day in positive territory, with the exception of the IT index, which saw a slight decline of 0.66 per cent. Notably, Nifty Pharma, FMCG, healthcare, and Nifty Bank exhibited substantial gains, rising by 1.46 per cent, 1.35 per cent, 1.17 per cent, and 1.13 per cent, respectively. The Nifty Next 50, however, was the only broader market index that experienced a slight drop. Overall, it was a positive and promising day for the markets, with several sectors showcasing significant growth.
The NEPSE index concluded today’s trading session at 2,154.07, showing a modest single-digit increase of 9.91 points or 0.46% compared to the previous day’s closing. However, it is worth noting that the index experienced a significant surge of 47.07 points in the previous trading session.
The trading day commenced with the index opening at 2,147.69 and displayed some downward momentum by reaching an intraday low of 2,146.52. However, it also reached an intraday high of 2,171.13 before ultimately settling at its closing value of 2,154.07.
Throughout the day, a total of 255 scrips were traded in 56,476 transactions. The trading volume amounted to 8,676,438 shares, resulting in a turnover of Rs. 3.54 Arba.
Among the various stocks, Swabalamban Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (SWBBL) had the highest turnover, with a value of Rs. 21.77 crores, and closed at a market price of Rs. 875. The shares of HLI were the most actively traded.
In terms of individual stock performance, BPW Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (BPW) recorded the highest gain of 10%, while United Ajod Insurance Limited (UAIL) rose by 9.99%, reaching the positive circuit for the day. Conversely, Sanima Large Cap Fund (SLCF) experienced the most significant decline of 5.14%.
Regarding sector indices, six of them ended the day in negative territory. The “Non-Life Insurance” sector witnessed the highest gain, increasing by 1.55%. On the other hand, the “Hotel and Tourism” sector registered the most significant loss, declining by 1.45%.
The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) is preparing to announce the monetary policy for the ongoing fiscal year 2080-81, which is expected to be publicized by the end of the first week of Shrawan. Narayan Prasad Pokhrel, the Deputy Spokesperson and Information Officer of NRB, revealed in a phone conversation with Sharesansar that the central bank has devised internal procedures to ensure the monetary policy is made public by Shrawan 07, which falls on the upcoming Sunday.
Narayan Prasad Pokhrel stated, “The internal procedures of the Nepal Rastra Bank have been designed in a way that allows for the monetary policy to be publicized by Shrawan 07.” This indicates that the necessary steps and protocols have been put in place within the central bank to ensure the timely release of the monetary policy.
In related news, Governor Maha Prasad Adhikari of NRB is expected to return to Nepal from his foreign trip on Wednesday. Previously, there were reports that a delegation of 28 members, led by the governor himself, would be traveling to Canada. The purpose of this trip was to engage in discussions with the assessment team of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in order to prevent Nepal from being placed on the “grey list” for money laundering.
The announcement of the monetary policy by the NRB is an important event that will have implications for the fiscal year 2080-81 in Nepal. It is expected that Governor Maha Prasad Adhikari’s return from his foreign trip will coincide with the release of the monetary policy, indicating that the central bank is actively addressing both domestic and international financial matters.
Today, the NEPSE index, which represents the stock market performance in Nepal, ended at 2,097.55 points. It gained 25.31 points compared to the previous trading day, which is a 1.22% increase. Yesterday, the index had experienced a loss of 4.73 points. The day started with an opening value of 2,072.24, which also served as the lowest point during the day. However, it reached a high of 2,099.71 before settling at the closing value of 2,097.55.
During the trading session, a total of 289 different stocks were traded through 59,539 transactions. The total number of shares exchanged was 8,504,378, which amounted to a turnover of Rs. 3.18 Arba. This turnover is higher than the previous trading day’s turnover of Rs. 2.85 Arba.
IME Life Insurance Company Limited is concluding the issuance of 96,00,000 unit shares to the general public starting from today, which is the 25th of Ashad. The issuance began on the 21st of Ashad, 2080.
The company has an issued capital of Rs. 4 Arba, out of which 30% or 1,20,00,000 unit shares are allocated for the public, including Nepalese citizens working abroad and the general public. Among the total shares issued, 10% or 12,00,000 unit shares were reserved for Nepalese citizens working abroad, while 5% or 600,000 units were set aside for the employees of the company. Additionally, 5% or 600,000 units were allocated for mutual funds. The remaining 96,00,000 units are being offered to the general public.
The NEPSE index ended the day at 2,076.96, experiencing a slight decrease of 0.80 points or 0.04% compared to the previous closing. Yesterday, the index had gained 28.38 points. The trading day started with an opening value of 2,081.75 and reached a high of 2,102.09, while the lowest point was 2,067.85 before settling at 2,076.96 by the end of the day. Throughout the day, there were 65,317 transactions involving 293 scrips. The total turnover amounted to Rs. 3.79 Arba, which is higher than the previous day’s turnover of Rs. 3.04 Crores.
Today, the NEPSE index had a positive trading session, closing at 2,077.76. It gained 28.38 points, representing a 1.38% increase compared to the previous trading day. On Thursday, the index experienced a small loss of 0.06 points.
The day started with the index opening at 2,050.36 and reaching a low of 2,049.69. However, it later climbed to a high of 2,085.23 before settling at the closing value of 2,077.76.
During the trading session, a total of 287 scrips were traded through 73,446 transactions. The total shares exchanged amounted to 8,352,576, with a turnover of Rs. 3.04 Arba. Although the turnover was slightly lower than the previous trading day’s Rs. 3.07 Crores, it was still a significant amount.
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) Index ended the week with a minimal decline of 0.06 points, settling at a level of 2049.38. On Wednesday, NEPSE experienced a loss of 39.26 points, reaching a stagnant position of 2049.44. During today’s trading, the market opened at 2050.28 and reached a peak of 2064.57 points. However, it also dipped to a low of 2033.43 before ultimately closing at 2049.38.
In the first eleven months of the fiscal year 2079/80, non-life insurance companies in Nepal collected an impressive amount of Rs. 36.19 Arba in premiums from 25.37 lakh active insurance policies. According to a report from the Nepal Insurance Authority, Siddhartha Premier Insurance holds the most active policies at 313,602, followed by Sagarmatha Lumbini Insurance with 305,633 policies. On the other hand, National Insurance Co. Ltd has the fewest active policies, with only 30,563 in total.