Kathmandu: The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) Index ended Tuesday’s trading session on a slightly positive note gaining 2.66 points to close at 2,780.25. Despite the modest rise in the benchmark index, market participation remained healthy, reflecting a mixed sentiment among investors.

According to the official market summary, a total of 347 listed securities were traded during the session. Among them, 148 stocks advanced, 117 declined, while six remained unchanged, indicating a relatively balanced market performance.

The day’s total turnover stood at Rs. 5.74 billion, reaching Rs. 5,738,178,165.24. Investors traded 13.52 million shares through 62,148 transactions, highlighting continued activity in the secondary market. The broader market capitalization was recorded at Rs. 4.74 trillion, while the float market capitalization stood at Rs. 1.59 trillion.

The market experienced notable volatility throughout the trading session. The NEPSE Index opened under pressure and slipped during the morning hours before staging a strong recovery around midday.

The benchmark briefly approached the 2,800-point level as buying interest strengthened, particularly in select sectors. However, profit-booking in the latter part of the session trimmed gains, bringing the index back to close near the 2,780 mark.

Kalinchok Hydropower Ltd. emerged as the day’s top gainer, underscoring continued investor interest in hydropower stocks. The sector has remained in focus amid growing attention to Nepal’s energy development prospects and expectations of long-term growth.

On the losing side, Nepal Reinsurance Company Ltd. recorded the steepest decline among listed companies. The stock also witnessed the highest number of transactions during the session, suggesting heightened trading activity and possible profit-booking by investors in the insurance segment.

Meanwhile, Ankhu Khola Jalbidhyut Company Ltd. dominated the market in terms of both turnover and trading volume, reflecting strong investor participation and liquidity in the hydropower counter.

The benchmark’s modest gain was largely supported by selective buying in hydropower stocks, which continue to attract investor attention. While the insurance sector saw significant trading activity, weakness in Nepal Reinsurance weighed on overall sector performance.

The market’s turnover of more than Rs. 5.7 billion indicates decent liquidity and sustained investor engagement. However, the relatively close number of advancing and declining stocks points to a cautious trading environment, with investors remaining selective in their buying decisions.

Market participants are expected to closely monitor upcoming corporate earnings announcements, monetary policy developments, and progress within the hydropower sector for cues on future market direction. Analysts suggest that these factors could play a key role in shaping investor sentiment and determining whether the market can sustain its upward momentum in the coming sessions.