# Nepal economic volatility and stock market trends

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nepal-economic-volatility-and-stock-market-trends
> Updated: 2026-10-26T05:30:00.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

Nepal has experienced significant economic volatility, marked by rising costs for essential goods and fluctuations in the stock market. In early October, retail prices for staples such as rice, lentils, sugar, and cooking oil increased by as much as 36 percent over a six-month period. During this time, the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) saw its fourth consecutive weekly decline, resulting in investor losses of approximately Rs 73 billion.

By late October, despite ongoing economic uncertainty caused by political instability and rising import costs, the number of dematerialized (demat) accounts in Nepal reached approximately 8.1 million. This growth suggests investors are increasingly using the stock market as an alternative investment avenue. Data indicates significant participation from women, who hold 42.67 percent of accounts, and young adults aged 19 to 30, who represent 30.12 percent of holders.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-26: Nepal stock market demat accounts reach 8.1 million

Nepal's demat accounts have hit 8.1 million as economic uncertainty and risks in other sectors drive investors toward the stock market.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nepal-stock-market-demat-accounts-reach-81-million

### 2026-10-02: Nepal faces rising essential goods prices and stock market losses

Nepal faces rising costs for essential goods and a significant downturn in the stock market, with NEPSE investors losing Rs 73 billion amid festival season volatility.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nepal-faces-rising-essential-goods-prices-and-stock-market-losses

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Cite as: Nepal economic volatility and stock market trends. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nepal-economic-volatility-and-stock-market-trends