Kathmandu-The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index declined on Sunday as selling pressure dominated most sectors.

The NEPSE index fell 26.05 points, or 0.96 per cent, to close at 2,672.39.

Market activity remained strong with the total turnover reached Rs 10.77 billion. 

The market showed broad based losses. Shares of 212 companies declined. Only 42 companies posted gains, while Six companies remained unchanged.

The trading graph showed the index stayed in negative territory for most of the session. The market opened at a higher level but gradually slipped throughout the day before closing lower.

This bearish sentiment was reflected across broader market indicators; the sensitive index, which monitors the performance of Class ‘A’ stocks, dipped by 1.02 percent, while the float index tracking actively traded shares fell by 1.18 percent.

The decline was felt across nearly all sectors; with the exception of trading, all sub-indices ended the session in negative territory. The finance sector took the hardest hit, plunging by 2.29 percent.

Despite the general slump, Khanikhola Hydropower Co. Ltd emerged as the day's top gainer with a notable 9.97 percent increase.

Investors remain cautious yet expectant as the market continues its quest to reclaim historic peaks. While the index briefly crossed the 3,000-point threshold in August of both last year and earlier this month, it has since retreated, leaving the all-time high of 3,199.03 points—set on September 2, 2021—as the ultimate benchmark for the current market recovery.