The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index fell sharply by 32.38 points on Wednesday, closing at 2,655.94—a decline of 1.20 percent—as all sectoral sub-indices ended the day in negative territory.

This marks the third consecutive day of losses for the benchmark index.

Market turnover totalled Rs7.57 billion, with over 18.4 million shares changing hands in 64,140 transactions. Out of the 246 traded companies, 28 posted gains, 217 declined, and one remained unchanged.

The non-life insurance sub-index recorded the biggest loss of the day, plunging by 123.32 points. It was followed by the development bank index, which fell by 105.03 points. The hotel and tourism sector shed 73.11 points, while hydropower declined by 62.21 points.

Despite the overall downturn, a few companies posted notable gains. Nepal Micro Insurance Company, Crest Micro Life Insurance, Radhi Bidyut Company, Bindhyabasini Hydropower Development, and Citizens Super 30 Mutual Fund were among the top performers of the day.

Meanwhile, major losers included Corporate Development Bank, Makar Jitumaya Suri Hydropower, Sanima Mai Hydropower, Sindhu Development Bank, and Super Madi Hydropower, as investors in these counters saw a drop in share value.

Analysts say continued investor caution, sectoral weakness, and lack of new market drivers have contributed to the recent slump.