Daily Market Highlights (05.08.2014)

  • The MSE Share Index closed marginally higher this morning at 3,390.925 points, as the gains in Bank of Valletta and RS2 Software offset the decline in the share price of MIA, while 7 other equities closed unchanged. Download a copy of the Equity Market Summary.
  • On the bond market, the Rizzo Farrugia MGS Index closed at yet another all-time high of 1,062.653 points. Meanwhile, the Eurozone yields rebounded to the 1.16% as tensions at the Gaza strip eased as a 72-hour truce begins.
  • Earlier on this morning, the Treasury announced the allotment policy of the last two Malta Government Stocks, whereby the 39 applications received for the 2.0% MGS 2020 for a nominal value of €6,044,300 will be satisfied in full, whilst for the 4.1% MGS 2034, the Treasury will allot the first €70,000 nominal on each application and an additional 40% on the balance where applicable. The Treasury did not disclose the date of any refunds to applicants and the listing dates of the two MGS as yet.
  • Following yesterday’s 2% decline in the share price of HSBC Bank Malta in the aftermath of the weak performance during the first half of the year, the equity held on to the €2.00 level today on lower activity amounting to 11,800 shares. Further shares are on offer at €2.00 with highest bids only at €1.95. Yesterday morning, HSBC issued its interim results showing a 25% decline in pre-tax profits to €39.6 million on the back of narrowing interest income margins and lower fee and commission income during the first 6 months of 2014. The HSBC Malta Group was also negatively impacted by lower profits from the life assurance subsidiary, higher provisions and a surge in regulatory and compliance costs. The Directors declared an interim dividend of €0.045 (net: €0.029) per share to shareholders as at the close of trading on Monday 11 August 2014. The interim dividend represents a decline of 55% from last year’s interim dividend due to the lower profits and the impact of Banking Rule 09.
  • Bank of Valletta advanced by 1% to €2.12 also on low volumes of 5,193 shares with RS2 Software edging a further 1.5% to the €2.64 level on higher activity of almost 30,000 shares.
  • Malta International Airport was the only equity that closed lower with the share price slipping by 1.7% to the €2.30 level on weak activity totalling 950 shares. This afternoon, MIA reported a growth of 8.5% in passenger movements during the month of July to a new record of 511,243 passengers.
  • A further seven equities closed the day unchanged. GO shares held on to the €2.40 level on 3,100 shares after recovering from a low of €2.355. The telecoms company is expected to publish its interim results next Wednesday 13 August. MIDI maintained the €0.24 level on weak volumes of 1,786 shares. On the other hand, trading activity increased in Medserv with a total of 42,700 shares changing hands at the €1.30 level.  Medserv is expected to issue its interim results on 28 August.
  • In the property segment, Malita Investments and Tigne Mall also closed this morning’s session unchanged at €0.55 (26,250 shares) and €0.515 (19,500 shares).