Kathmandu, July 3 -- The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index extended its rally on Wednesday, gaining 9.14 points to close at 2,703.86 - a rise of 0.33 percent. This marks the fifth consecutive session of growth for the domestic bourse.

Investor activity remained high, with a total turnover of Rs9.64 billion. According to NEPSE, 24,976,366 shares were traded in 96,411 transactions throughout the day.

Out of the 13 sectoral sub-indices, five ended in negative territory. The hotel and tourism, hydropower, investment, microfinance, and trading groups all posted declines. However, life insurance led the day's gains with a jump of 345.88 points, followed by non-life insurance which climbed 279.19 points.

Share prices of 122 companies increas...