Leveraging data-driven approach for business growth

The advantage of being a data-driven enterprise is getting return on investment that is an asset or commodity. The advantage of being competitive is being innovative, leveraging all the assets that we have for future return on investment. People who run businesses understand that one needs to leverage data but shifting to a data-driven enterprise also entails a major cultural shift. It involves not only the monetization of data but also its democratization to make a meaningful impact on the business.

For this transformation to occur, data must undergo various stages, including the establishment of rules, alignment with the business's objectives, formulation of governance methods, architectural design, and clarification of data ownership. While these aspects are often perceived as challenging (referred to as the "dark side"), there is a bright side to the equation. Trustworthy data, governed effectively, serves as a catalyst for business improvement.

Data is the most valuable thing an organization produces. They lead to the success and failure of the organization. From unclear data documentation and inconsistent data formats to a lack of data literacy and inadequate human resources, numerous instances underscore the significance of effective data management. 

In today’s world, data has emerged as the new natural resource for generating business value and gaining a competitive edge. Yet only 15 percent of the organization have the ability to leverage data and advanced analytics across their operations.

Why is data management helpful ?

Data management improves the visibility of an organization's data assets, making it easier for individuals to access the correct data for their research. Data needs to be managed to gain competitive advantage. Data management drives all the business decisions for business leaders.

It is the process where the data can be reviewed from the past for profit and loss analysis based on facts and figures. 

Many organizations today yearn to become data-driven, but only a few manage to achieve this goal within a reasonable budget and timeframe. The journey towards a data-driven organization is a vital element of a broader digital transformation, demanding a gradual shift in technology and processes to optimize operations. 

However, change is rarely straightforward, resulting in slower and costlier progress. To succeed in this venture, organizations must tackle both non-technical and technical hurdles, harnessing the true potential of their data assets. 

Well-communicated choices and transparency serve as the building blocks for nurturing a cohesive data-driven culture, where data is embraced as a strategic asset and leveraged to drive innovation and growth. 

 

 

Gold price drops by Rs 1, 300 per tola on Sunday

The price of gold has dropped by Rs 1, 300 per tola in the domestic market on Sunday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the yellow metal is being traded at Rs 117, 800 per tola today. It was traded at Rs 119, 100 per tola on Friday.

Meanwhile, tejabi gold is being traded at Rs 117, 250 per tola. It was traded at Rs 118, 550 per tola.

Similarly, the silver is being traded at Rs 1,455 per tola today.

Gold price increases by Rs 300 per tola on Friday

The price of gold has increased by Rs 300 per tola in the domestic market on Friday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the precious yellow metal is being traded at Rs 119, 100 per tola today. It was traded at Rs 118, 800 per tola on Thursday.

Meanwhile, tejabi gold is being traded at Rs 118, 550 per tola. It was traded at Rs 118, 250 per tola.

Similarly, the silver is being traded at Rs 1,470 per tola today.

 

Policy review sets the stage for market resurgence

Following the Nepal Rastra Bank’s (NRB) recent decision to relax its stringent policy on share mortgage loans, the stock market is showing early signs of a positive trend.

In its first quarter review of monetary policy released on Friday, the central monetary authority reduced the risk weight of realty and shared mortgage loans from 150 percent to 125 percent. This provision alone will increase the bank’s capacity to extend an additional Rs 40-50bn toward the sector, market analysts say.

This policy shift appears to have had an immediate impact, as the next trading session on Sunday witnessed an early closure due to the activation of a positive circuit breaker—a development not seen in more than two years.  Nepal Stock Exchange (Nepse) gained 111.2 points, or six percent,  in just nine minutes of trading. Stocks worth Rs Rs 482.4m changed hands during those minutes. Although the market witnessed some correction the next day, losing 15.4 points, daily turnover hit a five-month high of Rs 4.82bn. On Wednesday, the benchmark index posted a nominal gain of 2.6 points while daily turnover reached Rs 3.90bn.

The monetary policy review has injected a renewed sense of optimism among investors who had experienced a prolonged downturn, marked by a continuous decline in the benchmark Nepse index over the last 28 months. Investor confidence had waned, prompting calls for the central bank to reassess its policies. The recent positive market atmosphere is now seen as a potential morale booster for investors.

Simultaneously, the central bank’s reduction in the policy rate will contribute to a decline in overall interest rates in the coming days. The correlation between interest rates and stock market performance is well-established. With banks expected to announce a decline in interest rates, the stock market is expected to witness a further boost in the coming months.

Investors say that the central bank’s policies play a pivotal role in shaping market dynamics, as factors such as interest rates, monetary policy, inflation, and more directly affect the market. Additionally, external elements such as political events, financial reports of listed companies, and the psychology of investors collectively contribute to the overall market sentiment.

The observed decrease in interest rates, coupled with the relaxation of stringent policies by the central bank, has led to a notable increase in investor sentiment—a positive sign for the capital market. The surge in daily turnover further indicates the return of institutional investors who had exited the market during the bearish phase. Recent trading sessions have recorded an average daily turnover of more than Rs 4bn, showcasing a revitalized interest in the market. These developments signify a potential turning point for the Nepali investors.