Kathmandu, October 12, 2026 — Nepal’s stock market extended its upward momentum in Monday’s pre-open session, with the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index rising 3.31 points to reach 2,595.12.

The benchmark index had closed 17.15 points higher at 2,591.80 in the previous trading session on Friday. Monday’s pre-open gain suggests that the positive momentum has carried into the new trading week, although the broader market showed more declining stocks than advancing ones.

The Sensitive Index, which tracks the performance of selected companies, also advanced by 1.94 points during the session.

Trading Activity Remains Active

During Monday’s pre-open session, shares of 80 companies changed hands through 202 transactions. A total of 22,034 shares were traded, generating a turnover of Rs 63.39 million.

Of the 80 stocks traded, prices of 27 advanced, while 39 declined. The remaining 14 stocks recorded no change in their prices.

The higher benchmark index, despite a larger number of declining stocks, indicates that gains in selected stocks helped lift the overall market indicator. However, the distribution of price movements suggests that the positive sentiment was not shared across the broader market.

Can NEPSE Sustain Its Upward Momentum?

Monday’s pre-open performance offers a cautiously positive signal for investors following Friday’s strong closing gain. The additional 3.31-point rise indicates continued buying interest at the start of the week.

However, the market’s breadth warrants attention. With 39 stocks declining against 27 advancing, the index gain alone does not establish that a broad-based recovery is underway. Investors should watch whether buying interest spreads to more companies during the regular trading session and whether trading volume supports the upward movement.

The coming session will be important in determining whether NEPSE can build on Friday’s gains or faces renewed selling pressure. Investors should evaluate individual company fundamentals, market liquidity and risk exposure rather than making decisions based solely on a modest pre-open rise.

NEPSE Pre-Open at a Glance

• NEPSE Index: 2,595.12 points
• Change: Up 3.31 points
• Previous Close: 2,591.80 points
• Sensitive Index: Up 1.94 points
• Stocks Traded: 80
• Transactions: 202
• Shares Traded: 22,034
• Turnover: Rs 63.39 million
• Advancing Stocks: 27
• Declining Stocks: 39
• Unchanged Stocks: 14

Source: Pre-open session market data.