Daily Market Highlights (03.06.14)

  • The MSE Share Index edged 0.4% higher to 3,396.006 points as BOV, HSBC, MIA, RS2 and MaltaPost trended higher. On the other hand, IHI eased lower whilst Lombard and Loqus ended the session unchanged. Download a copy of the Equity Market Summary.
  • On the bond market, the Rizzo Farrugia MGS Index was practically unchanged at 1,040.505 points as eurozone yields were fairly stable this morning at the 1.36% level. However, by this afternoon, yields regained the 1.40% level possibly on some profit taking ahead of the European Central Bank (ECB) monetary policy meeting next Thursday. Nonetheless, the ECB is still widely expected to widen its stimulus measures especially after the weaker-than-expected inflation reading. Eurozone’s inflation dropped to 0.5% in May.
  • Subscriptions for the newly issued Malta Government Stocks remain open until tomorrow. The General Public has the opportunity to apply in the 4.3% MGS 2033 (I) at a price of 100.75% (YTM: 4.242%) up to a maximum amount of €100,000 (nominal) per application. Tenders in the form of sealed bids will be accepted until noon on Monday 9 June. The total aggregate amount on offer is of €100 million subject to an over-allotment option of up to a further €80 million.
  • The share price of RS2 Software climbed 1.2% during this morning’s session to a new all-time high of €2.46 across nine deals totalling 57,611 shares. In its latest announcement, published on 13 May, RS2 stated that during the first quarter of 2014 it increased its business with existing clients and concluded agreements with new clients. Furthermore, the Directors noted that whilst the Group continues to look for the best opportunities, they believe that 2014 will be a very exciting year and their outlook for the year remains positive. RS2 is scheduled to hold its Annual General Meeting on 11 June 2014.
  • Similarly, the share price of MaltaPost advanced by 2.7% to regain its all-time of €1.15 on volumes of 20,000 shares. During the first six months of the current financial year ending 30 September 2014, the postal operator reported a 23% increase in net profit to a 3-year high of €0.8 million largely due to a 3.8% increase in revenue to a record €11.7 million. The company reported that the continued decline in traditional mail was mitigated by the review in certain tariffs that came into effect on 1 January 2014 as well as an increase in parcel deliveries.
  • The share price of BOV reversed yesterday’s decline as it edged 1.4% higher to regain the €2.14 level albeit on much lower volumes of 14,700 shares.
  • Similarly, HSBC edged 0.5% as it recaptured the €2.11 level across seven trades totalling 9,620 shares.
  • The only other positive performer today was MIA with 0.4% increase to €2.26 on low volumes of 600 shares.
  • On the other hand, the share price of IHI eased 1% lower back to the €0.79 level on a single trade of 1,000 shares.
  • Meanwhile, Lombard maintained the €1.45 level on just 110 shares.
  • Loqus Holdings also traded unchanged at the €0.105 level on a deal of 1,000 shares.