Following a sharp decline in the stock market, Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle held a meeting with officials of the Stock Brokers Association at the Ministry of Finance today.

During the meeting, brokers raised concerns regarding the ongoing downturn in the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE), along with issues related to expanding broker roles and the need for policy reforms. They emphasized the importance of making the capital market more transparent and technology-friendly, while urging the government to play a supportive role in maintaining investor confidence.

Since the formation of the new government led by Balendra Shah, the NEPSE index has dropped by 273.48 points within six trading days. The index, which stood at 2950.16 points on Chaitra 12, has fallen to 2676.68 points by Chaitra 22, marking a decline of 9.27%.

Similarly, the total market capitalization has decreased from around Rs. 50 trillion to approximately Rs. 45.5 trillion, resulting in a loss of nearly Rs. 4.5 trillion in investor wealth within a short period.

The unusual market downturn has also triggered protests, with some investors demonstrating near Singha Durbar and later in front of the RSP central office after being stopped by police.