KATHMANDU: Welcome to Nepal News’ Evening Economic Brief—your go-to source on key financial updates in Nepal. Stay informed with concise insights on market trends, economic indicators, and policy shifts. Here are today’s top highlights:

NEPSE Surges to 2700 Points, Market Sees Modest Trading Volume: The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index climbed by 23.86 points on Wednesday, reaching 2700 points. This recovery follows a 16-point decline in the previous trading session. Despite the market surge, the total trading volume saw a slight dip, with transactions totaling NPR 5.44 billion, compared to NPR 5.79 billion the previous day. Out of all listed companies, 166 saw their stock prices rise, while 78 experienced a decline.

Most sector indices recorded gains, with the trade sector leading the rally with a 9.44% increase, primarily driven by a nearly 10% surge in Bishal Bazaar Company’s stock. Sector-wise, Banking rose by 0.51%, Development Banks by 0.30%, Finance by 3.12%, Hotels & Tourism by 0.59%, Hydropower by 0.42%, Investment by 1.37%, Life Insurance by 0.25%, Microfinance by 0.17%, and Others by 0.35%. However, the Manufacturing sector dropped by 1.47%, while Non-Life Insurance declined by 0.26%.

Bank Base Rates Drop to Three-Year Low, Making Loans Cheaper: Nepali banks’ base rates have dropped to a three-year low, averaging 6.48% in Chaitra, down from 6.63% in Falgun. Some banks offer rates below 7%, with Standard Chartered at the lowest (5.03%). The decline follows continuous reductions in deposit interest rates due to excess liquidity. Lower base rates reduce borrowing costs, making loans cheaper. Many banks now provide loans at minimal premiums, with some offering them at base rates. This trend benefits borrowers seeking lower interest rates.

Nepal Rastra Bank to Withdraw Additional Rs. 30 BillionLiquidity: Nepal Rastra Bank is set to withdraw an additional Rs. 30 billion from the banking system on Wednesday. The central bank will use its deposit collection tool for this withdrawal, with the auction scheduled for 3 PM today. As excess liquidity accumulates in the banking system, the central bank has been consistently withdrawing funds using this mechanism.

Banks and financial institutions wishing to participate in the deposit collection auction can bid with amounts ranging from a minimum of Rs. 50 million to a maximum of Rs. 500 million, depending on the remaining available amount. According to the central bank, the deposit collection auction can be conducted with a fixed or variable interest rate, allowing for multiple bids. Only banks and financial institutions in categories ‘A’, ‘B’, and ‘C’ will be eligible to participate. The settlement of the deposit collection auction, including principal and interest payments, will be made on the 10th of Baisakh, as per the central bank’s announcement.

Supreme Court Rejects Interim Order Against Insurance Authority Chief: The Supreme Court has refused to issue an interim order against Nepal Insurance Authority Chairman Sharad Ojha. A single bench of Justice Nahakul Subedi rejected the request, allowing Ojha to continue in his role. The petition, filed by advocate Indira Dhungmala, alleged that Ojha used a fake experience certificate for his appointment. While rejecting the interim order, the court has issued a show-cause notice to the government and summoned both parties for discussion.

DRI Identifies Owner of Rs 250 Million in Foreign Currency Seized in Kathmandu: The Department of Revenue Investigation (DRI) has identified Narayan Paudel as the owner of Rs 250 million in foreign currency found in a truck in Tokha, Kathmandu. Police had earlier arrested Kusan Lama, who had concealed the money in a false compartment. Investigators used call records, CCTV footage, and digital forensics to trace Paudel. A court has issued an arrest warrant, and authorities have raided his residence and other locations linked to the case.

Forbes Ranks Binod Chaudhary 1,763rd Among Global Billionaires: Binod Chaudhary, Nepal’s only dollar billionaire, is ranked 1,763rd on the latest Forbes list, which includes 3,028 individuals. At 69 years old, he is the chairman of Chaudhary Group and one of Nepal’s leading industrialists. His net worth in 2024 has risen to 2 billion US dollars, reflecting an increase of 200 million dollars from previous years. In 2019, Chaudhary’s total net worth stood at 1.7 billion US dollars, but since then, his wealth had initially decreased. However, the recent surge in his assets marks a significant turnaround. Chaudhary’s key investments include stakes in Nabil Bank, Nepal’s largest bank, and CG Foods, the company behind the popular Wai Wainoodles. Wai Wai’s production facilities are located in India, Serbia, and Bangladesh, and a new factory is currently under construction in Egypt. The company is also preparing to launch various types of sauces soon.

Furthermore, Chaudhary Group owns or manages 143 hotels worldwide, including a direct investment in India’s prestigious Taj Hotel chain.

IFC and NRB Report Highlights Nepal’s Digital Finance Boom and Future Growth: A report by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) highlights Nepal’s rapid digital finance expansion, driving financial inclusion and economic growth. Supported by Japan, the UK, and Korea, key initiatives include the National Payment System Development Strategy and Retail Payment Strategy. Digital payments surged by 125% in two years, reaching Rs 6.2 trillion. The report stresses further investment in digital infrastructure, financial literacy, and cybersecurity to ensure sustainable growth and accessibility.

Nepal and Thailand Sign MoUs on Tourism and Culture During PM Oli’s Visit: Nepal and Thailand signed two MoUs on tourism and culture in the presence of Prime Ministers KP Sharma Oli and Paetongtran Shinawatra. Nepal’s Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba and Thai Ministers Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol and Sorawong Thienthong signed the agreements. Additional MoUs in health, education, trade, and commerce were also signed. PM Oli is in Thailand for an official visit and to attend the Sixth BIMSTEC Summit, leading a Nepali delegation.

CNI and FTI Sign MoU to Boost Nepal-Thailand Investment Ties: The Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) and the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) signed an MoU to promote investment and cooperation during PM KP Sharma Oli’s visit to Thailand. Signed by CNI President Rajesh Kumar Agrawal and FTI Chair Kriengkrai Thiennukul, the agreement focuses on business promotion, research, training, and policy exchange. Agrawal expressed hope that the MoU would attract Thai investment, highlighting Nepal’s legal reforms to facilitate foreign investors.

Broker Companies Adopting New TMS System for Share and Securities Trading: Nepal’s share trading landscape is undergoing a transformation with the introduction of a new Trading Management System (TMS). Developed by Iron One Technology of Sri Lanka and provided by DG Hub, the upgraded system is designed to offer enhanced features, greater convenience, and improved accessibility. Users can now trade shares easily via mobile apps, desktop, and web versions, making transactions more seamless. One of the key advantages of the new TMS is that it ensures accurate tracking of collateral amounts, including any remaining funds after a transaction. Moreover, no additional fees are required for using the platform, maintaining cost efficiency for traders. Several brokerage firms have already embraced the new system. Secured Securities and Pragyan Securities were among the first to implement it, followed by Kalika Securities, which launched the system on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Nepal Stock House and Dynamic Money Managers are set to go live with TMS from Thursday.Additionally, NIMB Stock Market has successfully completed its User Acceptance Testing (UAT) and is preparing to activate the system next week.

Currently, eight more brokerage companies are in the UAT phase, after which they will also adopt the new TMS. The UAT process is crucial as it ensures smooth integration between the brokers’ systems and NEPSE’s infrastructure.

SEBON Issues Guidelines for Broker Mergers: The Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) has introduced new guidelines for broker mergers, allowing securities brokerage firms to consolidate through mergers and acquisitions. With the issuance of the Securities Business Merger and Acquisition Guidelines, 2081, SEBON has formally opened the path for brokerage firms to merge or acquire one another, aiming to streamline the securities market. According to the guidelines, any securities broker or trader wishing to undergo a merger must first obtain approval from their Board of Directors (BoD) and General Assembly before submitting an application to SEBON. The application must include a merger agreement between the firms, a detailed action plan with a timeline, audited financial statements from the latest fiscal year, and a clear justification for the merger. SEBON will review and approve the application within 15 working days from the submission date. The guidelines also require an asset and liability valuation, ensuring a fair assessment of the merging entities.

An independent valuator will conduct audits of the involved firms. The valuation process will weigh 75% on adjusted net assets, 15% on the present value of future cash flows, and the remaining 10% will be subject to business valuation adjustments. This evaluation will determine the share swap ratio for the merger. These new directives are expected to facilitate smoother broker consolidations, enhancing efficiency and structure in Nepal’s securities market.

Nepal Airlines’ Revenue Drops by Rs 1.54 Billion Due to Reduced Flights: Nepal Airlines Corporation’s revenue has dropped by Rs 1.54 billion (16%) in the first eight months of FY 2081/82 compared to the previous year. The decline is attributed to reduced flight operations, with key aircraft undergoing maintenance in Italy for months. Passenger numbers also fell by over 56,000. The prolonged grounding of wide-body and narrow-body aircraft has impacted earnings, while increasing debt burdens from wide-body aircraft loans continue to strain the airline’s financial health.

New NEPSE CEO Chapagain Prioritizes Governance and Transparency: Newly appointed CEO of Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE), Chudamani Chapagain, has emphasized institutional governance and transparency in the secondary market. Upon assuming office, Chapagain stated that he aims to enhance the use of technology in stock trading and launch extensive awareness programs for investors. He highlighted that low financial literacy has impacted investor confidence, and increasing awareness will be key to boosting market participation and strengthening the overall economy. The government appointed Chapagain as NEPSE’s CEO on Monday, and he officially received his appointment letter on Tuesday.

We are willing to increase investment in aviation and tourism sectors, Says Thai PM Shinawatra: Prime Minister of Thailand, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has said that Thailand will increase investment and participation in the aviation and tourism sectors in Nepal. The Thai premier said this while addressing a joint press conference organized after a meeting with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who is on an official visit to Thailand, here today. On the occasion, she said Thailand was positive to increase the number of Thai Airlines flights to Kathmandu and direct flights to Lumbini. Prime Minister Shinawatra expressed her belief that Thailand’s investment and trade would be prioritized in Nepal in the energy and tourism sectors such as hotels and aviation would get priority in the days to come. Noting that the first visit by the Prime Minister of Nepal after 65 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries was historic, the Thai PM Shinawatrasaid that they also discussed ways to enhance connectivity and trade partnership between the two countries.

MoUs of 10 HICDPs Signed: Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) have been signed for undertaking 10 High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs) in Nepal under the grant assistance of Government of India  in Education, Health,  and Culture Sectors at a total cost of Rs 625 million. The Embassy of India, Kathmandu and the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration, Government of Nepal and Project Implementing Agencies of Government of Nepal signed the MoUs on Tuesday, the Embassy of India, Kathmandu stated in a press release. These HICDPs shall be implemented through Local authorities of Government of Nepal i.e. Metropolitan City, Sub-Metropolitan City, Municipalities and Rural Municipalities, according to the Embassy of India. The implementation of these projects will help provide better educational, healthcare and cultural facilities to the people of Nepal. Since 2003, India has taken up over 573 HICDPs in Nepal, including the 10 projects whose MoUs have been signed today, and has completed 495 projects in the areas of education, health, road and bridges, river training, drinking water, electrification, irrigation, culture, social welfare and creation of other public utilities across all 7 provinces of Nepal at the grassroot level. The remaining projects are ongoing at different stages.

Local Protests Halt Construction of Nagdhunga-SisnekholaTunnel for 18 Days: The construction work on the Nagdhunga-Sisnekhola Tunnel route has been completely stalled for the last 18 days due to protests by local residents. The protests, which began on the 3rd of Chaitra, are being led by the Drinking Water Consumer Committee of the affected area, with demands listed in an eight-point agenda. The locals have been staging protests by blocking the western part of the tunnel route, particularly around the Dhading area, and have demanded the suspension of the project. Despite the protests halting construction for an extended period, the government has shown no significant interest in resuming work.

In response to unmet demands, local residents have organized several protests at the project site. The lack of government action to address the valid grievances raised by the protesters has directly impacted the ongoing construction of the tunnel route.

Bhatbhateni Supermarket Owner Announces Financial Support for Families of Deceased Youths: Min Bahadur Gurung, the owner of Bhatbhateni Supermarket, has announced financial assistance for the families of the two youths who lost their lives in the incident on Chaitra 15. Speaking at an employee appreciation event held at Koteshwar BhatbhateniSupermarket on Wednesday, Gurung pledged NPR 5 lakh to Suresh’s family and NPR 3 lakh to Sabin’s family as support.Similarly, Bhatbhateni Supermarket has honored security guard Dul Prasad Parajuli for his bravery during the incident on Chaitra 15. At a special event today, he was awarded NPR 5 lakh in cash and a five-grade promotion in recognition of his courage. Additionally, other employees who played a role in protecting the supermarket from looting and vandalism on that day were also rewarded and honored during the program.

New Executive Committee of ACTON Formed: The Association of Kailash Tours Operators Nepal (AKTON) has elected a new executive committee. During its recent general assembly, Bimal Naharki was unanimously elected as the president. Other elected members include Krishna Prasad Dhakal as first vice president, Ramesh Prasad Ojha as second vice president, Pradeep Pandit as general secretary, Gopal Thapa as secretary, and Bhuwan Bahadur Khadka as treasurer.Additionally, Basanta Baral, Gautam Bajracharya, and ThupdenSherpa were elected as executive members.

Over 121,000 Tourists Visit Nepal in March by Air: Nepal welcomed 121,800 foreign tourists in March, 2025. Such number of tourists entered Nepal by air, according to the Nepal Tourism Board. A total of 298,000 tourists visited Nepal in the first three months of 2025, added NTB. Total 79,900 tourists entered Nepal in January, 96,800 in February. Nepal welcomed the highest number of tourists from India in March which is 21,412. Similarly, 11,443 tourists entered Nepal from China and 11,092 from USA, 8,886 from Sri Lanka, 5,995 from London as well as 35,287 from South Asia in March.

Russian Ambassador Meets Energy Minister Khadka to Discuss Bilateral Cooperation: Russian Ambassador to Nepal, Aleksei Novikov, paid a courtesy visit to Minister of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, Deepak Khadka, at the ministry today. The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation and mutual interests, particularly in Nepal’s energy sector. Minister Khadka expressed gratitude to the Russian government for its contribution to Nepal’s human resource development. He recalled the historical Panauti Hydropower Project, which was constructed with financial assistance from the former Soviet Union. Highlighting Nepal’s goal of generating 28,500 megawatts of electricity by 2035, Minister Khadka emphasized the need for Russian support in achieving this target. He also invited Russian companies to invest in Nepal’s transmission lines, energy storage, smart grids, and green energy projects. Ambassador Novikov expressed Russia’s keen interest in investing in Nepal’s energy and hydropower sector. He also extended an invitation to Minister Khadka to participate in major international forums in Russia, including the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in June, the Neva International Ecological Congress in May, and the Russian Energy Week in October.

Federal Government Plans to Distribute NPR 305 Billion to Provinces and Local Levels: The federal government has estimated that NPR 305 billion will be distributed to provinces and local levels through revenue sharing and equalization grants in the upcoming fiscal year 2082/83. According to the Ministry of Finance, provinces are expected to receive NPR 78 billion from revenue sharing. The estimated distribution includes NPR 12.39 billion for Koshi Province, NPR 12.35 billion for Madhesh Province, NPR 11.52 billion for Bagmati Province, NPR 9.79 billion for Gandaki Province, NPR 11.86 billion for Lumbini Province, NPR 10.27 billion for Karnali Province, and NPR 9.87 billion for Sudurpaschim Province. Additionally, 753 local governments will receive NPR 78.08 billion. Furthermore, the provinces will receive NPR 60.66 billion in equalization grants. Koshi Province will get NPR 8.98 billion, Madhesh Province NPR 7.72 billion, Bagmati Province NPR 8.28 billion, Gandaki Province NPR 7.73 billion, Lumbini Province NPR 8.44 billion, Karnali Province NPR 10.56 billion, and Sudurpaschim Province NPR 8.92 billion.

Gold Price Decreases by Rs 600 per tola: The price of gold has decreased by Rs 600 per tola (11.66) in the domestic market today. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of hallmark gold has been determined at Rs179, 700 per tola today, which was traded at 179, 100 per tola on Tuesday. Similarly, the price of silver has decreased Rs 15 per tola today. The price of silver is fixed at Rs 2,020 per tola today, which was determined at Rs 2,035 per tola on Tuesday.

Citizen Investment Trust Signs Share Guarantee Agreement with Sabhapokhari Hydropower: The Citizen Investment Trust (CIT) and Sabhapokhari Hydropower Limited have signed a share guarantee agreement. The agreement was signed on Wednesday by CIT’s Acting Executive Director, Shobha Shrestha Subedi, and Sabhapokhari Hydropower’s Managing Director, Shriram Devkota. As per the agreement, CIT will guarantee shares worth NPR 107.5 million, with SabhapokhariHydropower issuing 1.075 million shares at a face value of NPR 100 per share.