Latest NEPSE Market Data (March 25, 2026)
All prices in this article are sourced directly from NEPSE official trading records, reflecting the actual closing prices on the last trading day (March 25, 2026). NEPSE Index closed at 2,935.94 points.
| Index/Sector | Close | Day Change |
|---|
| NEPSE Index | 2,935.94 | -0.82% |
| Banking Sub-Index | 1,545.06 | -1.40% |
| Hydropower Sub-Index | 4,002.98 | -0.16% |
| Manufacturing Sub-Index | 10,371.37 | +0.48% |
| Hotels Sub-Index | 7,698.78 | -0.05% |
| Dev Bank Sub-Index | 6,373.53 | -2.32% |
| Investment Sub-Index | 112.63 | -0.53% |
| Life Insurance Sub-Index | 13,605.93 | -1.39% |
| Trading Sub-Index | 4,276.68 | +3.45% |
| Finance Sub-Index | 2,648.40 | -2.09% |
Top 10 Best Stocks to Buy — Based on Real Closing Prices
1. NICA (NIC Asia Bank) — Rs.398.0
| Metric | Value (March 25, 2026) |
|---|
| Closing Price | Rs. 398.0 |
| Day Change | +1.02% |
| Volume | 498,502 shares |
| Sector | Commercial Banking (Class A) |
Why NICA: One of the largest commercial banks in Nepal formed through the merger of NIC Bank and Bank of Asia. NICA closed at Rs.398 with +1.02% gain on a red market day (NEPSE fell -0.82%), showing exceptional relative strength. The 498K+ share volume indicates strong institutional interest. With the banking CD ratio at 74.32% providing room for credit growth and capital adequacy at 12.61%, NICA is well-positioned for earnings expansion.
2. HIDCL (Hydroelectricity Investment and Dev Co.) — Rs.301.0
| Metric | Value (March 25, 2026) |
|---|
| Closing Price | Rs. 301.0 |
| Day Change | +2.00% |
| Volume | 1,205,396 shares |
| Sector | Investment (Government-backed) |
Why HIDCL: Government investment vehicle for hydropower development with Rs.301 close and +2.00% gain against a falling market. The massive 1.2M volume makes it one of the most actively traded stocks. HIDCL holds equity stakes in multiple hydropower projects across Nepal, offering diversified exposure to the entire hydro sector without single-project risk. Nepal has 83,000 MW potential with only 2,800 MW developed.
3. SMHL (Saptakoshi Hydropower) — Rs.556.2
| Metric | Value (March 25, 2026) |
|---|
| Closing Price | Rs. 556.2 |
| Day Change | +2.04% |
| Volume | 866,340 shares |
| Sector | Hydropower |
Why SMHL: Strong +2.04% gain with 866K volume on a down day for NEPSE. SMHL is showing clear accumulation patterns — large volume with rising prices while the broader market falls. The hydropower sub-index at 4,002.98 is near its support zone, and stocks like SMHL that show strength during sector weakness are typically the first to rally during sector recovery.
4. RIDI (Ridi Hydropower) — Rs.356.9
| Metric | Value (March 25, 2026) |
|---|
| Closing Price | Rs. 356.9 |
| Day Change | +1.42% |
| Volume | 732,560 shares |
| Sector | Hydropower |
Why RIDI: Operational hydropower company with Rs.356.9 close and +1.42% gain. The 732K volume puts it among the top 10 most traded stocks. RIDI has an established power purchase agreement (PPA) providing predictable revenue streams. Operating hydro companies with confirmed PPAs carry significantly lower risk than under-construction projects.
5. API (Api Power Company) — Rs.359.0
| Metric | Value (March 25, 2026) |
|---|
| Closing Price | Rs. 359.0 |
| Day Change | -0.66% |
| Volume | 1,427,962 shares |
| Sector | Hydropower |
Why API: The second most traded stock on NEPSE with a massive 1.43 million shares changing hands. API at Rs.359 with only -0.66% decline when NEPSE fell -0.82% shows resilience. The enormous volume indicates strong institutional participation. API is one of the largest and most liquid hydropower stocks, making it ideal for investors who need easy entry and exit.
6. EBL (Everest Bank Limited) — Rs.714.0
| Metric | Value (March 25, 2026) |
|---|
| Closing Price | Rs. 714.0 |
| Day Change | -0.27% |
| Volume | 33,929 shares |
| Sector | Commercial Banking (Class A) |
Why EBL: Joint venture with Punjab National Bank (India), EBL is one of the premium banking stocks at Rs.714. The minimal -0.27% decline against NEPSE -0.82% shows strong holder conviction. EBL consistently maintains one of the lowest NPL ratios in the industry (well below the 5.42% system average) and pays attractive dividends. Premium price reflects premium quality.
7. NABIL (NABIL Bank) — Rs.539.0
| Metric | Value (March 25, 2026) |
|---|
| Closing Price | Rs. 539.0 |
| Day Change | -1.03% |
| Volume | 133,098 shares |
| Sector | Commercial Banking (Class A) |
Why NABIL: The blue-chip benchmark of NEPSE at Rs.539. NABIL Bank (formerly Nepal Arab Bank) is widely considered the gold standard of Nepali banking with the strongest brand, highest service quality, and robust risk management. The 133K volume indicates steady institutional accumulation. NABIL is the stock you buy and hold for 5-10 years for compounded dividend growth.
8. SBL (Siddhartha Bank) — Rs.412.0
| Metric | Value (March 25, 2026) |
|---|
| Closing Price | Rs. 412.0 |
| Day Change | -0.89% |
| Volume | 200,673 shares |
| Sector | Commercial Banking (Class A) |
Why SBL: At Rs.412 with 200K+ volume, SBL continues to show strong liquidity. SBL has delivered +34.6% over the past year (best among Class A banks) and is now consolidating. The -0.89% daily decline is roughly in line with the market, suggesting no unusual selling pressure. SBL aggressive branch expansion and digital banking push positions it for continued growth.
9. SHIVM (Shivam Cements) — Rs.698.0
| Metric | Value (March 25, 2026) |
|---|
| Closing Price | Rs. 698.0 |
| Day Change | -1.69% |
| Volume | 680,432 shares |
| Sector | Manufacturing |
Why SHIVM: Manufacturing is the best performing sector (+33.13% YoY) and SHIVM at Rs.698 with 680K volume is one of its most liquid stocks. Shivam Cements benefits directly from Nepal infrastructure development, road construction, and urbanization. The manufacturing sub-index at 10,371.37 with +0.48% gain (one of only two positive sectors on March 25) confirms sector strength. SHIVM provides portfolio diversification away from financial stocks.
10. KBL (Kumari Bank) — Rs.241.8
| Metric | Value (March 25, 2026) |
|---|
| Closing Price | Rs. 241.8 |
| Day Change | -1.99% |
| Volume | 1,676,486 shares |
| Sector | Commercial Banking (Class A) |
Why KBL: The single most traded stock on NEPSE with a staggering 1.67 million shares traded on March 25. At Rs.241.8, KBL offers the lowest price point among our banking picks, making it accessible for small investors. The massive volume signals strong institutional activity. While the -1.99% daily drop is slightly worse than the market, the enormous liquidity means you can enter and exit positions with minimal slippage — a critical advantage for active traders.
Complete Comparison Table
| # | Stock | Sector | Close (Rs.) | Day Change | Volume | Risk |
|---|
| 1 | NICA | Banking | 398.0 | +1.02% | 498,502 | Low |
| 2 | HIDCL | Investment | 301.0 | +2.00% | 1,205,396 | Low-Med |
| 3 | SMHL | Hydropower | 556.2 | +2.04% | 866,340 | Medium |
| 4 | RIDI | Hydropower | 356.9 | +1.42% | 732,560 | Medium |
| 5 | API | Hydropower | 359.0 | -0.66% | 1,427,962 | Medium |
| 6 | EBL | Banking | 714.0 | -0.27% | 33,929 | Low |
| 7 | NABIL | Banking | 539.0 | -1.03% | 133,098 | Low |
| 8 | SBL | Banking | 412.0 | -0.89% | 200,673 | Low |
| 9 | SHIVM | Manufacturing | 698.0 | -1.69% | 680,432 | Low-Med |
| 10 | KBL | Banking | 241.8 | -1.99% | 1,676,486 | Low |
Most Active Stocks by Volume (March 25, 2026)
High volume stocks provide better liquidity, meaning easier entry and exit for investors:
| Stock | Volume | Close (Rs.) | Day Change |
|---|
| KBL | 1,676,486 | 241.8 | -1.99% |
| API | 1,427,962 | 359.0 | -0.66% |
| HIDCL | 1,205,396 | 301.0 | +2.00% |
| HDHPC | 1,056,588 | 246.6 | -4.31% |
| HIDCLP | 1,034,652 | 226.0 | -1.31% |
| SMHL | 866,340 | 556.2 | +2.04% |
| RIDI | 732,560 | 356.9 | +1.42% |
| AKJCL | 709,712 | 402.1 | -2.26% |
| NHPC | 691,316 | 301.2 | -0.73% |
| SHIVM | 680,432 | 698.0 | -1.69% |
All Banking Stock Prices (March 25, 2026)
| Bank | Close (Rs.) | Day Change | Volume |
|---|
| EBL | 714.0 | -0.27% | 33,929 |
| NABIL | 539.0 | -1.03% | 133,098 |
| SBI | 427.9 | -0.05% | 131,344 |
| SBL | 412.0 | -0.89% | 200,673 |
| NICA | 398.0 | +1.02% | 498,502 |
| SANIMA | 367.0 | -1.61% | 170,604 |
| SCB | 678.9 | -0.16% | 26,039 |
| ADBL | 330.0 | -1.46% | 106,503 |
| NBL | 278.9 | -1.76% | 215,397 |
| NMB | 265.7 | -1.23% | 142,359 |
| MBL | 267.0 | -2.73% | 301,022 |
| PCBL | 264.0 | -1.09% | 134,619 |
| GBIME | 252.6 | -2.85% | 343,228 |
| KBL | 241.8 | -1.99% | 1,676,486 |
| LSL | 233.9 | -2.54% | 352,795 |
| CZBIL | 226.7 | -2.49% | 184,006 |
| NIMB | 223.8 | -1.84% | 474,347 |
| PRVU | 223.1 | -2.62% | 392,740 |
Key Fundamentals Supporting These Picks
Banking and financial sector data from NRB Magh 2082 report:
| Indicator | Value | Investment Implication |
|---|
| Credit-to-Deposit Ratio | 74.32% | Banks can lend 15.68% more before hitting NRB ceiling (90%) |
| NPL Ratio (System) | 5.42% | Pick banks with NPL below this average for safety |
| Capital Adequacy | 12.61% | 1.61% buffer above NRB minimum — strong safety margin |
| NRB Policy Repo Rate | 4.25% | Low rate supports equity valuations and bank profitability |
| Wt. Avg Deposit Rate | 3.51% | Low returns push investors to equities — bullish for stocks |
| Wt. Avg Lending Rate | 7.00% | 3.49% spread provides healthy bank margins |
| Total BFIs | 54 | Consolidation expected — surviving banks gain market share |
Portfolio Allocation Strategy
Conservative Portfolio (NPR 200,000)
| Stock | Allocation | Amount | Approx Shares |
|---|
| NABIL (Rs.539) | 25% | Rs. 50,000 | ~92 shares |
| EBL (Rs.714) | 20% | Rs. 40,000 | ~56 shares |
| HIDCL (Rs.301) | 20% | Rs. 40,000 | ~132 shares |
| NICA (Rs.398) | 15% | Rs. 30,000 | ~75 shares |
| SHIVM (Rs.698) | 10% | Rs. 20,000 | ~28 shares |
| Cash Reserve | 10% | Rs. 20,000 | For dips/IPOs |
Growth Portfolio (NPR 200,000)
| Stock | Allocation | Amount | Approx Shares |
|---|
| SMHL (Rs.556) | 20% | Rs. 40,000 | ~71 shares |
| API (Rs.359) | 15% | Rs. 30,000 | ~83 shares |
| RIDI (Rs.357) | 15% | Rs. 30,000 | ~84 shares |
| SBL (Rs.412) | 15% | Rs. 30,000 | ~72 shares |
| KBL (Rs.242) | 15% | Rs. 30,000 | ~124 shares |
| HIDCL (Rs.301) | 10% | Rs. 20,000 | ~66 shares |
| Cash Reserve | 10% | Rs. 20,000 | For opportunities |
Stocks to Avoid (March 2026)
- HDHPC (Rs.246.6, -4.31%): Largest single-day decline among high-volume stocks despite 1M+ shares traded — heavy distribution signal
- MBL (Rs.267, -2.73%): Weakest among major banks with consistent selling pressure
- GBIME (Rs.252.6, -2.85%): Once a top performer, now showing distribution with 343K shares on a down day
- PRVU (Rs.223.1, -2.62%): Falling with high volume — classic sell signal
- Finance sector stocks: Sub-index at 2,648.40 with -2.09% daily decline. Sector remains weak overall.
When to Buy These Stocks
- NEPSE at 2,935.94 is near the 3,000 psychological resistance. Wait for a pullback to 2,850-2,900 for better entry on banking stocks.
- Hydropower stocks (SMHL, RIDI, API) that gained on a red day are showing accumulation — buy now or on any 2-3% dip.
- HIDCL at Rs.301 with +2.00% gain and 1.2M volume is an immediate buy candidate at current levels.
- Buy in tranches: Invest 50% now, 25% on first dip, 25% on second dip. Never go all-in at once.