Kathmandu, Jan. 20 -- The Nepal Stock Exchange (Nepse) index jumped by 42.26 points on Tuesday, closing at 2,741.81 points, as investor sentiment improved amid optimism surrounding the upcoming parliamentary elections.

The benchmark index gained 1.58 percent compared to the previous session. Market analysts attributed the rally to growing confidence after the election process gathered pace, with nationwide nomination filings underway for the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5.

Market breadth remained strongly positive. Share prices of 224 companies advanced, while 31 declined and five remained unchanged during the session.

A total of 25,185,647 shares were traded through 115,181 transactions, generating a turnover ...