NEPSE Banking Sub-Index Hits Two-Year Peak of 1,582 Points

The secondary share market saw its banking group sub-index reach 1,582 points, marking its highest level in two years. The indicator rose 10.93 percent compared to its level on 10 Bhadra. While the overall sub-index for commercial banks grew by 10 percent during the two-month span, specific bank stock values increased by as much as 25.86 percent. A comparative price analysis between 10 Bhadra and 11 Kartik shows Laxmi Sunrise Bank leading the sector, ascending from NPR 216.90 to NPR 273, a rise of 25.86 percent. NMB Bank share price grew 15.36 percent from NPR 237.50 to NPR 274. Prime Commercial Bank increased 15.13 percent, rising from NPR 237.80 to NPR 273.80. Agricultural Development Bank went up 14.49 percent from NPR 296 to NPR 338.90, while Nepal Investment Mega Bank rose 13.14 percent from NPR 183.30 to NPR 207.40. Multiple other commercial institutions achieved double-digit growth rates. Kumari Bank grew 12.94 percent from NPR 212.50 to NPR 240, Nepal Bank expanded 12.62 percent from NPR 271.70 to NPR 306, and Citizens Bank went up 12.37 percent from NPR 194 to NPR 218. Machhapuchchhre Bank moved from NPR 248 to NPR 277, representing an 11.69 percent rise, while Nepal SBI Bank increased 9.77 percent from NPR 399 to NPR 438. Stock prices adjusted for dividend distributions also registered increases. Global IME Bank adjusted for a 10 percent dividend climbed 10 percent from NPR 243.10 to NPR 255.90. Sanima Bank with a 10 percent dividend adjustment rose 10 percent from NPR 365 to NPR 409.40. Siddhartha Bank with a 20 percent dividend adjustment grew from NPR 408.50 to NPR 436. Nabil Bank adjusted for a 15 percent dividend moved from NPR 536.80 to NPR 545, while Everest Bank adjusted for a 15 percent dividend stood at NPR 721. Nepal Investors Forum President Tulsiram Dhakal stated that bank equities are relatively cheap, driving heightened interest among buyers. He explained that the price-to-earnings ratio is a fundamental metric for making investment decisions, and commercial banks maintain the lowest ratio across the entire equities market.