Daily Market Highlights (09.08.12)

  • Following two consecutive sessions of gains, the MSE Share Index shed 1% during this morning’s session to 3,063.723 in yet another trading session characterised by low volumes. Today, HSBC’s share price slid 3.6% lower to offset the 2% rise in GO. Meanwhile, BOV ended the session unchanged. Download a copy of the Equity Market Summary.
  • On the bond market, the Rizzo Farrugia MGS Index edged 0.1% higher to close at a new 10-month high 996.273 points in spite of a marginal increase in Eurozone yields to the 1.45% level. This morning’s uptick in benchmark German Bund yields was due to increased demand for riskier assets after China reported a slowdown in its inflation rate. However, uncertainty remains over the European Central Bank’s (ECB) plan to support bonds of ailing Eurozone countries. In fact, by this afternoon, doubts over the effectiveness of the ECB’s plan to push down borrowing costs for Italy and Spain led to a drop in Eurozone yields back to the 1.4% level.
  • On Tuesday, the Malta Stock Exchange confirmed the listing of 30,000,000 shares of Malita Investments plc which were issued in July. Trading in these shares is expected to commence on Monday 13 August.
  • Share price of HSBC Bank Malta down 3.6% to the €2.70 level. Eight trades totalling 7,625 shares were transacted this morning with further bids unsatisfied at the closing price.
  • Meanwhile, BOV held on to its 3-month high of €2.15 across seven trades amounting to 6,338 shares. Further support is evident for the bank’s equity at today’s closing price.
  • GO immediately reversed yesterday’s €0.02 drop to regain the €1.02 level. A single trade of 1,000 shares was executed today as investors await the publication of the half-year results.
  • In the coming weeks, nine companies with a December year end, including IHI, Lombard Bank, RS2 Software and Grand Harbour Marina will be publishing their half-year results in accordance with the Listing Rules. However most have not yet announced the date of publication.