Kathmandu, July 22 -- The Nepal Stock Exchange (Nepse) Index surged by 80.97 points on Tuesday, closing at 2,973.70,its highest level since mid-July last year, when it briefly crossed the 3,000 mark.

A total of 236 companies posted gains while 14 declined. The day's turnover reached a record Rs20.08 billion, surpassing Monday's Rs16.32 billion. Market capitalisation hit an all-time high of Rs4.96 trillion.

Three sub-indices-manufacturing, life insurance, and microfinance-soared over 4 percent. Banking, hydropower, hotels, and others also saw notable gains.

Three companies, including Trade Tower and Sanvi Energy, rose the daily limit of 10 percent. Sanvi and Trade Tower, both new entrants, closed at Rs477.70 and Rs535.80 respectively. ...