Kathmandu, Nov. 26 -- Amid a global surge in bullion prices, Nepal's gold imports in the first four months of the current fiscal year soared more than fivefold compared to the same period last year, with analysts attributing the spike to deepening political uncertainty and a gloomy investment climate.

Market experts say the share market and real estate sector continue to underperform, leaving investors wary after years of scandals, corruption, and policy turbulence. As other avenues stall, many are turning to gold as a safe-haven asset despite its historically high prices.

Gold was traded at Rs247,900 per tola on Tuesday.

Nepal's sluggish investment environment is underscored by the banking sector's loanable fund surplus, which has rea...