Nepal’s equity market slumped on September 8, 2025, as the NEPSE index fell 35.99 points, or 1.32%, to close at 2,672.25, extending losses from the previous week’s 30.05 point decline, according to a report by state owned The Rising Nepal.

The sell off unfolded against the backdrop of violent Gen-Z protests triggered by a government ban on popular social media platforms. Demonstrations escalated on September 8, with police firing into crowds in Kathmandu. At least 20 protesters were killed and hundreds injured, deepening political uncertainty and rattling investor sentiment.

The sensitive index, which tracks group A firms, also slipped 2.32 to 467.51. Sectoral performance was broadly negative, with the life insurance sub-index plunging 51.64 points. Hotels and tourism fell 33.11 points, hydropower 23.45, non-life insurance 22.86, trading 9.89, microfinance 9.43, banking 9.34, the category labelled others 8.71, development banks 4.90 and investment 0.08.

Manufacturing and processing gained 3.27 points, finance rose 2.39 and mutual funds edged 0.08 higher. Turnover reached NPR5.23bn ($62.7mn) through 59,704 trades involving 11,714,543 shares, compared with NPR4.40bn and 11,124,845 shares in the prior session. Of the companies traded, 229 declined while 22 advanced. Among notable movers, Panchakanya Mai Hydropower dropped 4.62%, Bikash Hydropower slid 3.92% and ICFC Finance Debenture 2083 lost 3.88%.

On the upside, Him Star Urja surged 9.99%, NIBL Samriddhi Fund-2 rose 5.83% and Universal Power climbed 5.12%. Other risers included NCC Debenture 2086 up 4.35%, Union Hydropower up 3.08% and Garima Debenture 2085 advancing 2.92%.