The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) continued its downward trend on Thursday, marking its fourth straight day of losses. The benchmark NEPSE index fell by 8.50 points to close at 2,651 points, its lowest level since February 13.

The market has lost considerable ground over the past month, declining by 135 points from 2,786 points recorded on Jestha 11. Although the market showed signs of recovery around midday, selling pressure intensified after 1:45 PM, pushing the index lower by the close.

Trading activity also weakened noticeably. Total turnover dropped to Rs. 2.83 billion from Rs. 4.41 billion recorded in the previous session, marking the lowest daily transaction value since May 18.

Among traded stocks, 83 companies recorded gains, while 172 declined and 19 remained unchanged. The Manufacturing and Processing sector was the only sector to post gains, rising 0.14 percent. The Trading sector suffered the largest decline, falling 1.96 percent.

Other sectoral indices also closed lower, including Banking, Development Bank, Finance, Hotels and Tourism, Hydropower, Investment, Life Insurance, Microfinance, Non-Life Insurance, and Others.

Recently listed companies Taksar Pikhuwa Khola Hydropower and Yambaling Hydropower hit the positive circuit limit, gaining 15 percent each and closing at Rs. 524.60 per share.

Among notable gainers, Kalika Laghubitta rose 12.84 percent, Saptakoshi Development Bank gained 8.20 percent, and Reliance Spinning Mills increased 3.23 percent. On the losing side, Bhujung Hydropower fell 11.03 percent, CYC Laghubitta dropped 8.97 percent, Bhagwati Hydropower declined 5.84 percent, and Three Star Hydropower lost 5.57 percent.

In terms of turnover, Sopan Pharmaceuticals, Reliance Spinning Mills, Saptakoshi Development Bank, Ankhu Khola Hydropower Company, and Nepal SBI Bank were among the most actively traded stocks of the day.