Daily Market Highlights (03.08.2017)

  • The MSE Share Index shed 0.94% to a near seven-week low of 4,659.394 points, reflecting the notable decline in the share prices of BOV (-2.1%), HSBC (-2.4%) and RS2 (-1.6%). Trading volumes improved as €0.49 million worth of shares changed hands. Nonetheless, most of the trading activity took place in the equities of BOV and RS2 as they accounted for over 60% of the total value of equities traded. Download a copy of today’s Equity Market Summary.
  • On the bond market, the RF MGS Index slipped by a minimal 0.01% to 1,125.319 points. Euro zone sovereign yields gained some ground today amid mixed economic data. Indices gauging the level of activity among purchasing managers in the manufacturing and services sectors in Germany, France and all of the euro area for the month of July disappointed. On the other hand, retail sales within the single currency area surged by a better-than-expected 3.1% year-on-year in June from +2.4% in the previous month.
  • In the retail banking sector, Bank of Valletta plc dropped 2.1% to a fresh near seven-month low of €2.10 across 75,620 shares whilst six deals totalling 39,214 shares forced the equity of HSBC Bank Malta plc 2.4% lower to a near two-month low of €2.001. HSBC shareholders as at the close of trading on 10 August 2017 will be eligible to receive a net interim dividend of €0.03 per share, payable on 11 September 2017.
  • Also among the large companies by market capitalisation, RS2 Software plc eased by 1.6% to the €1.79 level after partially recovering from an intra-day low of €1.72 (-5.5%).
  • Malta Properties Company plc retreated by a minimal 0.2% to the €0.514 level across 59,198 shares. MPC is due to reveal its six-month financial results on 7 August.
  • Low trading activity left the equities of International Hotel Investments plc and PG plc unchanged at €0.60 and €1.399 respectively. PG is expected to publish its 2016/17 financial statements by the end of this month.
  • Malta International Airport plc was the only positive performing equity today, with a gain of 0.2% back to the €4.21 level across 14,554 shares. Shareholders as at the close of trading on 21 August will be entitled to a net interim dividend of €0.03 per share, payable by not later than 22 September 2017.