Daily Market Highlights (04.07.2018)

  • The MSE Equity Price Index moved higher for the fourth consecutive day as it added a further 0.21% to a fresh one-month high of 4,411.535 points, reflecting the gains in five equities whilst another four shares closed the day unchanged. Trading volumes rose significantly to an on over five-week high of €1.09 million, largely on the back of heightened activity in the equities of GO and MIA. Download a copy of today’s Equity Market Summary.
  • The RF MGS Index trended lower for the first time in four days as it slipped by 0.06% to 1,104.420 points as the spreads between the yields of euro peripheral countries over the benchmark German bunds widened again amid lingering uncertainties over rising trade protectionism. On the economic front, a survey gauging the level of confidence among purchasing managers in the manufacturing and services sectors across the single currency area pointed towards a sustained rebound in sentiment.
  • Malta International Airport plc advanced by 0.4% to regain the €5.00 level on volumes totalling 70,600 shares.
  • MIDI plc also added 0.4% to the €0.49 level across 91,240 shares.
  • Within the same segment, Malita Investments plc advanced by 3.5% to regain its 2018 high of €0.895 on two deals totalling 16,067 shares.
  • In the banking sector, HSBC Bank Malta plc (50,700 shares) and Bank of Valletta plc (29,848 shares) both trended higher to €1.84 (+0.5%) and €1.745 (+0.3%) respectively. HSBC will be publishing its 2018 interim results on 6 August. The Board of Directors will also consider the declaration of a dividend.
  • On the other hand, FIMBank plc retained the USD0.54 level after opening at a low of USD0.52 (-3.7%). A total of 13,400 shares changed hands.
  • Low trading activity also took place in the equities of RS2 Software plc and Trident Estates plc. RS2 maintained the €1.23 level whilst Trident held on to the €1.31 level.
  • In contrast, GO plc ended flat at the €3.44 level on robust volumes totalling 150,000 shares having a total value of €0.52 million.
  • This morning, Lombard Bank Malta plc announced that its Board of Directors is scheduled to meet on Thursday 23 August 2018 to consider and approve the interim financial statements for the half-year ended 30 June 2018. The equity remained inactive today.