KATHMANDU, Sept 24: Stocks saw significant selling pressure to begin week’s trading on Monday. The benchmark tanked 113.14 points – Nepse’s biggest point-drop in history in Monday’s session. The equity market found footing on Tuesday, however, registering a modest gain of 13.82 points. A sharp recovery ensued on Wednesday as the benchmark recovered all of its early losses with another advance of 104.88 points. A subdued end to the week with 2.71 points rise on Thursday saw the index close week almost at the opening level. Nepse ended the review period at 2,819.66 – up 7.28 points against the prior weekly close.
Investors saw notable whipsaw amidst week’s trading with the equities abruptly changing directions driven by financial news relating to illiquidity and interest rates. Nonetheless, the broad sell-off seen in the equity market in the last month, which pushed the index towards its 6-month low, saw buyers take heavy buying positions at mid-week. Consequently, the equity market eked out a modest gain in the week. Rs. 29 billion worth of the equities changed hands.
In the meantime, commercial bank stocks made a notable recovery towards the end of the week driven by dividend announcements from Machhapuchhre Bank Ltd and Sanima Bank Ltd. With relatively high dividend yield among other sectors, dividends of the respective banks helped lift the entire sector.
Nepse unchanged after choppy session
Sensitive Index also ended higher reflecting strength in Class ‘A’ stocks. Among sectors, only Banking and Manufacturing & Processing stocks managed to end in green. Heavyweight banks rose 3.18%, helping the market to stay afloat. Manufacturing & Processing sub-index edged 0.15% higher. On the other hand, Trading and Hydropower sectors suffered the most with declines of over 3% apiece. Investment and Mutual Fund sub-indices also came under pressure and dropped over 2%. All other segments ended in negative territory.
In the news, Kamana Sewa Bikas Bank Ltd declared its dividend for the year 20/21. The development bank has announced 18.5% bonus shares and 0.97% cash dividend to its shareholders.
In terms of ARKS technical analysis, the index formed a long legged doji reflecting volatile trading and lack of conviction. The market also has found support at 2,800 mark on the closing basis, which should act as a crucial level for the market. A breach of 2,800 can see the index test 2,700 psychological level. On the other hand, a consolidation in the current zone and a rebound can see the index resume its upward move.
This column is produced by ARKS Capital Advisors Ltd.
www.arkscapitaladvisors.com
(Views expressed in the article are those of the producer and do not necessarily reflect those of thispublication)
