KATHMANDU: In mid-April 2024, the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index saw a substantial increase to 2025.71 points, marking a notable surge from the 1934.48 points recorded during the same period in 2023. This upward trend in the stock market was accompanied by a significant rise in stock market capitalization, which reached Rs. 3212.01 billion, compared to Rs. 2818.61 billion in mid-April 2023.

During this period, the number of companies listed on NEPSE also increased, reaching a total of 272 by mid-April 2024, compared to 248 in the previous year. These listings encompass various sectors, with Bank and Financial Institutions (BFIs) and insurance companies comprising the majority at 134, followed by hydropower companies, manufacturing and processing industries, hotels, investment companies, trading companies, and others.

BFIs and insurance companies held the largest share of the stock market capitalization at 57.1 percent in mid-April 2024, followed by hydropower companies at 14.9 percent. Additionally, the paid-up value of shares listed at NEPSE stood at Rs. 819.54 billion, with securities worth Rs. 122.21 billion listed during the nine months of 2023/24.

Furthermore, the Securities Board of Nepal approved a total public issuance of securities worth Rs. 24.78 billion during the review period, including ordinary shares, debentures, right shares, and mutual funds. This indicates a dynamic and growing market with increasing investor participation and opportunities for capital mobilization.