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The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index rose by 16.38 points on Friday, closing at 2,758.49.

Market activity strengthened as total trading turnover reached Rs 4.49 billion.

All sub-indices except the trading group posted gains, with the hydropower index rising the most by 1.29 percent.

Out of the traded companies, share prices of 203 firms increased, while 57 declined. Crest Micro Life saw the highest gain of the day, with its share price rising by 14.81 percent.

Despite the overall upward trend, some stocks faced losses during the session.

Investor interest was particularly strong in hydropower companies, which dominated trading volume and activity.

A total of Rs 4.49 billion worth of shares were traded on Friday, up from Rs 3.89 billion on Thursday, indicating increased market participation.

Aankhu Khola Hydropower recorded the highest turnover of Rs 439.5 million, followed by Ridi Power with Rs 245.4 million and National Hydropower with Rs 161.6 million.