Major investors’ associations appeal for closure of stock market due to COVID-19 fears; unnecessary grouping to be avoided

Members from different investor forums and organizations have requested Securities Exchange Board of Nepal (SEBON) to close the securities market amidst COVID-19 fears.

As per the statement released, the steps taken by the government to tackle the pandemic is commendable however, as per WHO, the virus can be transmitted up to a radius of six meters which increases the risk of contact specially in broker offices where more than 25 investors carry out transactions from one place.

To avoid the same, various investor associations have come forward to appeal to the authorities to close the stock market until the pandemic is contained to avoid unnecessary grouping of people at one particular place. The group has taken example of Philippines after it shut the stock market as well among other public areas.