Kathmandu-The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) continued its upward momentum for the fifth consecutive trading session, with the benchmark index gaining 41.70 points (1.55 percent) on the first trading day of the week to close at 2,719.24 points.

The market built on Friday's strong performance, when the index had climbed 79.74 points. The current rally began last Tuesday, with gains of 6.11 points, followed by 14 points on Wednesday and 7.50 points on Thursday.

Investor sentiment remained broadly positive, with the share prices of 238 companies advancing, while 32 companies declined. A total of 12.23 million shares of 343 listed companies were traded through 66,999 transactions during the day.

Trading activity also strengthened alongside the market's rise. Total turnover reached Rs. 5.50 billion, up from Rs. 4.57 billion recorded in the previous trading session.

Among individual stocks, Everest Color Limited emerged as the top gainer, with its share price rising 15 percent. In contrast, Atmanirbhar Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited posted the biggest decline, falling 6.86 percent.

Market optimism was further supported by Prime Minister Balendra Shah's discussions with stakeholders from the securities and insurance sectors. The meeting focused on the current state of the capital market, strengthening the securities and insurance industries, policy reform initiatives, and broader economic issues.

In recent days, Prime Minister Shah has also held consultations with industrialists, business leaders, construction entrepreneurs, representatives of banks and financial institutions, and professional organizations. His ongoing engagement on addressing private-sector challenges, revitalizing the economy, and creating a more investment-friendly environment has strengthened expectations of policy reforms, boosting investor confidence.

In terms of trading value, Aankhu Khola Hydropower Company recorded the highest turnover of the day, with transactions worth Rs. 291.5 million.

Sector-wise, 12 of the 13 NEPSE sub-indices closed higher, with only the Mutual Fund index ending in negative territory. The Others sub-index posted the strongest gain of the day, rising 2.81 percent.