Table of Contents
Step 1: Reading the NEPSE Composite Index
The most important number in Nepal's daily market data is the NEPSE composite index. On March 31, 2026, it closed at 2,851.09. Here's how to read it:
| Data Point | March 31, 2026 Value | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Index Value | 2,851.09 | Overall market level — weighted average of all stocks |
| Change (Points) | +19.70 | Market rose 19.70 points from yesterday |
| Change (%) | +0.69% | Market is up 0.69% — a positive day |
| Sensitive Index | 484.84 (+0.67%) | Large-cap stocks moved in line with market |
| Float Index | 165.74 (+0.62%) | Freely tradeable shares also rose |
Rule of thumb: Positive index change = more stocks rose than fell. Negative change = more stocks fell. The bigger the percentage, the stronger the move.
Step 2: Understanding Sub-Indices
NEPSE also publishes sub-indices for each sector. These tell you which industries are driving the market up or down:
| Sub-Index | Value | Change | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | 10,594.75 | +1.94% | Manufacturing stocks were today's best performers |
| Development Banks | 6,165.15 | +0.90% | Dev bank stocks rose strongly |
| Banking | 1,490.91 | +0.76% | Commercial bank stocks gained |
| Others | 2,292.41 | -0.55% | Miscellaneous stocks declined slightly |
Step 3: Reading Gainers and Losers
The gainers list shows stocks that rose the most in a session. On March 31, 2026, five stocks hit the 10% upper circuit:
- BJHL — Rs 578.60 (+10%) — Hydropower
- RSML — Rs 2,679.30 (+10%) — Manufacturing
- SKHL — Rs 483.10 (+10%) — Hydropower
- HFIN — Rs 349.80 (+10%) — Hotels
- RLEL — Rs 399.30 (+10%) — Other
The losers list shows stocks that fell the most. SAPDBL fell 8.96% to Rs 954.40 — the biggest single-stock decline today.
Step 4: Volume vs Turnover — Key Difference
These two terms confuse many beginners:
- Volume = number of shares traded. KBL: 1,560,007 shares traded.
- Turnover = rupee value of shares traded. RIDI: Rs 484.81 million in trades.
A stock can have high volume (many cheap shares) or high turnover (fewer expensive shares). RIDI dominated turnover (Rs 484.81M) while KBL dominated volume (1.56M shares) on March 31, 2026.
Step 5: Understanding Upper and Lower Circuits
NEPSE has a 10% daily price limit in both directions:
- Upper circuit (+10%): Stock can't rise more than 10% in one day. Buy orders pile up — often means strong demand continues next day.
- Lower circuit (-10%): Stock can't fall more than 10% in one day. Sell orders pile up — often means more selling next day.
On March 31, 2026, five stocks hit the upper circuit. SAPDBL fell 8.96% — just below the lower circuit limit.
FAQs
What does the NEPSE index number mean?
It is the weighted average of all listed stock prices. 2,851.09 on March 31, 2026 means the market closed at that level, up 19.7 pts (+0.69%) from the previous close.
What is turnover in Nepal stock market?
Total rupee value of shares traded. RIDI's Rs 484.81M means that much money changed hands in RIDI shares on March 31.
Volume vs turnover — what's the difference?
Volume = number of shares (KBL: 1.56M shares). Turnover = rupee value (RIDI: Rs 484.81M). Both measure activity, different units.
What does upper circuit mean?
A stock hit the 10% maximum daily gain. Five stocks (BJHL, HFIN, RLEL, RSML, SKHL) hit the upper circuit on March 31, 2026.
How often should I check NEPSE data?
Daily after 3 PM NPT when the market closes. Long-term investors can review weekly or monthly.