NEPSE trading hours and circuit breakers
Since April 2026 NEPSE trades Monday–Friday, with continuous trading 11:00–15:00 (Nepal time). A stock can move at most ±15% in a day, and the whole market pauses or closes if the index swings 5% or 8%.
Trading hours
| Session | Time (NPT) | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-open | 10:30–11:00 | Orders entered/changed 10:30–10:45; matched to set the opening price. Price band ±5%. |
| Continuous trading | 11:00–15:00 | Orders match live on price-time priority. |
| Closed | Saturday, Sunday & public holidays | No trading. |
NEPSE moved from Sunday–Thursday to Monday–Friday from 6 April 2026, after the government made Saturday and Sunday the weekly holidays.
Per-stock price limit (circuit)
Since 20 April 2026, a stock can trade at most ±15% from its previous close in one day (it was ±10%). Hitting the top is called upper circuit; the bottom, lower circuit. Orders outside the band are not accepted.
Newly listed shares and adjusted prices after bonus/right can follow special first-day rules set by NEPSE — we couldn't confirm the current first-day band from a primary source, so check NEPSE's notice for that listing.
Market-wide (index) circuit breakers
| NEPSE index move | When | Result |
|---|---|---|
| ±5% | Within the first 2 hours of trading | Trading halts for 15 minutes |
| ±8% | Any time | Trading closes for the rest of the day |
These two tiers replaced the older 4% / 5% / 6% system on 20 April 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What time does NEPSE open?
Pre-open starts at 10:30 and continuous trading runs 11:00–15:00 NPT, Monday–Friday.
Is NEPSE open on Friday?
Yes. Since April 2026 NEPSE trades Monday to Friday and is closed on Saturday and Sunday.
What is the circuit limit in NEPSE?
±15% per stock per day from the previous close, since 20 April 2026.
When does NEPSE halt trading?
If the index moves 5% within the first two hours, trading pauses for 15 minutes; if it moves 8%, trading stops for the day.
Sources
Facts on this page last verified 6 October 2026.
- Nepal Stock Exchange opens Monday to Friday under new government timings — ShareSansar, 8 April 2026
- NEPSE new rules: stock limits upgraded to 15%; market to suspend at 8% index change — ShareSansar, 20 April 2026
- How NEPSE settlement works: T+2, circuit breakers and trading hours — Kharchapatra, 16 June 2026
- Nepal Stock Exchange — notices — NEPSE
General information for learning only — not investment, tax or legal advice, and not a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Rules and fees change: the latest notices from NEPSE, SEBON, CDSC, IRD and your own broker/DP are final.
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