Kathmandu, June 25: The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) witnessed a sharp decline in trading activity on Thursday, with daily turnover plunging to Rs 2.83 billion from Rs 4.4 billion recorded a day earlier. The benchmark NEPSE index also slipped by 8.50 points, or 0.31 per cent, to close at 2,651.52 points.

A total of 6.48 million shares of 338 listed companies were traded through 46,751 transactions during the day, generating an intraday turnover of Rs 2.823 billion.

Alongside the benchmark index, the Sensitive Index, which measures the performance of Class 'A' companies, declined by 0.13 per cent, while the Float Index fell by 0.22 per cent

Sector-wise, the market remained largely in the red, with only the Manufacturing and Processing sector posting a modest gain of 0.14 per cent. The Trading sector was the biggest loser, shedding 1.96 per cent, while losses in other declining sectors remained below one per cent.

Market breadth also reflected the bearish sentiment, with 172 stocks closing lower, compared to 83 gainers, while 19 securities remained unchanged.

Despite the overall market downturn, a few stocks posted strong gains. Taksar Pikhuwa Khola Hydropower Limited (TPKHL) and Yambaling Hydropower Limited (YMHL) surged by 14.99 per cent each, nearing the upper circuit limit. Kalika Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Ltd (KMCDB) also recorded a notable gain of 12.84 per cent.

On the losing side, Bhujung Hydropower Limited (BJHL) emerged as the biggest decliner, dropping 11.03 per cent during the session.

Following the day's trading, the total market capitalization of listed companies stood at Rs 4.538 trillion.