Kathmandu, June 6 -- The Nepal Stock Exchange (Nepse) index fell this week as the post-budget rally lost momentum, with investors booking profits after the federal budget failed to provide fresh triggers for sustained gains. The benchmark index declined 26.69 points, or 0.96 percent, to close at 2,755.41, down from 2,782.10 the previous week, as the "buy the rumour, sell the fact" pattern played out in the immediate aftermath of the announcement.

Market capitalisation also contracted, falling to Rs4.701 trillion from Rs4.746 trillion, wiping out around Rs45 billion in investor wealth over five trading days. The decline reflected a broader reassessment of fiscal measures and near-term market direction by investors.

Key market indicators ...