Santosh Paudel says : The NEPSE market will soon cross 3,200 points; this is not the time to sell, but the time to collect

In recent years, Nepal’s capital market has witnessed a remarkable surge in participation from young investors. The new generation, equipped with modern technology, analytical skills, and bold ideas, is challenging the dominance of traditional market players.

Among them stands Santosh Paudel, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Fast Lane Fund Investment Company.
At just 26 years old, Paudel has made Pokhara his professional base and has been actively engaged in the stock market for the past five years. He believes more in long-term investment than in short-term trading and is known for his rational and disciplined approach to market behavior.

In this exclusive conversation with NepseTrading.com Editor Dipesh Ghimire, Paudel shares his insights on the current market situation, future trends, the role of youth investors, and his personal investment philosophy.

1. How do you assess the current stock market situation and its future outlook?

Compared to last year, Nepal’s stock market has remained relatively stable. When Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel was appointed, the NEPSE index rose sharply from 1,800 points to 3,000 points, reflecting strong optimism.
However, political changes and policy instability in recent months have caused the market to move sideways.

Now, with a new government in place and positive circulars from the central bank, the market is once again positioned to gain strength.
I believe that the market will remain sideways until Tihar, and then break past 3,200 points afterward with renewed momentum.

2. You sound quite confident that the index will reach 3,200. Why so certain?

Paudel (confidently):
Absolutely. The market always moves in cycles—after every correction comes a bull phase.
I firmly believe the index will surpass 3,200 points by mid-January (Poush–Magh).
This is not a random prediction but based on the market’s cyclical history, trading volume patterns, and investor psychology.

3. Many investors today don’t trust analysts anymore. What’s your take on that?

I don’t call myself an “analyst”—I’m an investor.
In Nepal, many so-called analysts have negative portfolios; they rarely profit themselves but are quick to spread panic.
Some even claim the market will fall to 2,200 points—completely baseless rumors.
Frankly speaking, journalists should avoid amplifying such negativity.
Our role is to build confidence, not fear, among investors.

4. Which sectors, in your view, will drive the next market rally?

The life insurance, non-life insurance, investment, and selective banking sectors will be the main growth drivers.
These sectors are fundamentally strong, resilient to current economic pressures, and supported by both liquidity conditions and monetary policies.

5. As a Gen Z investor, what’s your perspective on young investors dominating the market lately?

Yes, I belong to Gen Z—but I’m not here for activism; I’m here to deliver results.
Today’s youth are empowered by technology, mobile apps, and real-time market data.
We’ve combined the wisdom of older investors with the innovation of our generation.
And the truth is — the real profit-makers in today’s market are the new-generation investors.
We’ve learned the value of knowledge, discipline, and timely decision-making.

6. Many investors are panic-selling amid recent declines. What are you doing personally?

I’m not selling — I’m buying.
The market has already corrected enough.
True investors don’t run away from fear; they turn fear into opportunity.
I’m currently accumulating shares of strong, fundamentally sound companies.

7. So you believe we are still in a bull phase?

Yes, this is definitely a bull market.
Corrections will occur — but they’re breathers within the bull trend, not signs of its end.
The Nepali market has historically set new highs after such phases.

8. How long do you think this bull phase will last?

In my view, this bull run could extend up to 4,100 points.
After that, we might see a gradual correction phase.
During that time, my strategy will be to book profits gradually and rebalance my portfolio.
However, the market could still go beyond that — I don’t rule it out.

9. Finally, what message would you like to give to general investors?

Now is the right time to invest in fundamentally and technically strong companies.
Buying quality stocks at lower prices is the foundation of future profit.
Don’t lose hope during downturns — stay patient.
I’m confident that the market will soon re-enter a strong bull phase.

And yes — I’d like to wish all investors a very Happy Tihar in advance.
Let’s together bring light and confidence back into the Nepali stock market.

NepseTrading Viewpoint

Santosh Paudel is not just a young investor; he’s a thinker who understands market psychology, monetary policy, and behavioral finance with depth.
Having such a mature and structured market outlook at the age of 26 is rare — and truly inspiring for the next generation.
His perspective represents the emerging digital and confident youth investor class that’s reshaping Nepal’s capital market — making it more transparent, modern, and resilient in the years to come.