The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) had a day of ups and downs on Wednesday but ultimately ended on a positive note. The index started at 2,115.94 points but quickly dipped to 2,109.26 points – the low for the day. However, don't let that initial fall fool you! The market then defied gravity and climbed steadily, reaching a high of 2,140.01 points by midday. Unfortunately, it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows, as the final two hours saw the market shed some points before closing at 2,131.49 – a gain of 15.54 points for the day.

Even the "A" class company-focused sensitive index got in on the action, increasing by a healthy 5.06 points. Daily trading volume also surged, reaching a whopping Rs 5.68 billion compared to Rs 5.20 billion the day before.

Looking at sectors, it was a mixed bag. Only four out of the thirteen groups saw gains, with the hotels and tourism sector leading the pack with a jump of 98.34 points. On the flip side, the non-life insurance sector took the biggest hit, dropping a significant 66.62 points.

Individual companies also mirrored the market's overall trend. While 81 companies managed to close the day in the green, a higher number (161) ended up in the red.

For the top performers, Nerude Mirmire Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited ruled the roost with the highest daily turnover of Rs 244.28 million. Samudayik Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited emerged as the champion gainer, while Manushi Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited unfortunately took the biggest tumble, losing 8.05% in its market price.