Kathmandu, May 15 -- The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index dropped by 8.41 points on Wednesday, closing at 2,611.85.

The decline amounts to a 0.32 percent fall, reflecting a cautious mood among investors as the market recorded mixed performances across sectors.

The share prices of 82 companies increased, while 164 declined. One company's share price remained unchanged.

A total of 17.42 million shares were traded in 78,493 transactions, resulting in a total turnover of Rs7.08 billion.

Out of 13 sectoral indices, hotels and tourism gained the most, rising by 322.82 points.

The trading and mutual fund sub-indices also posted modest gains of 30.84 points and 0.05 percent, respectively. However, key sectors, including development banks, ...