The NEPSE index rose 15.44 points to close at 2,538.11 on Wednesday, marking its second consecutive session of gains.

Market turnover also improved slightly. Shares worth Rs 2.94 billion were traded on Wednesday, compared with Rs 2.90 billion on Tuesday.

A total of 7.268 million shares of 354 companies changed hands through 39,673 transactions.

Hydropower Sector Recovers

Of the 13 sectoral indices traded on Wednesday, 11 posted gains while two declined.

The hydropower sub-index gained 0.95%, recording the strongest sectoral performance of the day. Hydropower stocks had recently come under pressure following severe floods in Rasuwa and Nuwakot that damaged more than a dozen hydropower projects.

The sector showed signs of recovery on Wednesday, with Upper Mailung Khola Hydropower's share price rising 10.23%.

Top Gainers and Losers

Upakar Microfinance recorded the biggest gain of the day, with its share price rising 11.87%. Upper Mailung Khola Hydropower and Atmanirbhar Laghubitta also gained more than 10%.

Meanwhile, NMB Energy Bond 4% 2093/94 recorded the largest decline, falling 5.81%.

Sanima Middle Tamor Leads Turnover

Sanima Middle Tamor Hydropower led the market in terms of turnover, with shares worth Rs 141.7 million traded.

NRN Infrastructure & Development recorded turnover of Rs 126.4 million, while Solu Hydropower saw more than Rs 120 million worth of shares traded.

Overall, share prices of 193 companies increased, while 75 declined and 10 remained unchanged compared with the previous trading session