Nepal’s stock market index, NEPSE, rose by 21.50 points or 0.82% on Wednesday to reach 2,621.26. All 12 trading subgroups recorded gains, with the commercial banking sector making the largest contribution to the index’s rise.

Commercial Banks Lead Subgroup Contributions

The commercial banking subgroup contributed 10.18 points to the index increase. Microfinance added 1.57 points, life insurance contributed 1.56 points, development banks added 1.40 points, and hydropower contributed 1.34 points. The remaining subgroups also recorded positive contributions.

Siddhartha Bank Leads Company-Level Contributions

Siddhartha Bank made the largest company-level contribution, adding 1.16 points to NEPSE as its share price reached Rs 430.70, according to the reported figures. Bishal Bazar Company contributed 0.93 points, NIC Asia Bank 0.86 points, Everest Bank 0.84 points, and Laxmi Sunrise Bank 0.83 points. Nepal Telecom, Global IME Bank, Agricultural Development Bank, Kumari Bank, and Sanima Bank were also among the notable contributors.

Declines in 80 Companies Weigh on the Index

According to the available data, share prices of 188 companies increased, contributing a combined 24.13 positive points to the index. Meanwhile, declines in 80 companies created a negative impact of 2.64 points. City Hotel, Supermai Hydropower, Chandeshwori Hydropower, Eastern Southern, and First Microfinance were among the companies exerting downward pressure.

The commercial banking subgroup accounted for approximately 47.3% of the overall 21.50-point increase. This highlights the sector’s substantial influence on the index’s daily movement, although a single session’s performance is not enough to determine the market’s future direction.