Daily Market Highlights (16.04.14)

  • The MSE Share Index inched marginally higher as the 0.4% increase in the share of BOV was mostly offset by the declines in the share prices of GO and Malita. Meanwhile, HSBC and IHI ended the session unchanged. Download a copy of the Equity Market Summary.
  • On the bond market, following three consecutive sessions of increases, the Rizzo Farrugia MGS Index edged 0.1% higher to 1,032.656 points for the first time since the data was collected in 2009. This reflects the decline in Eurozone yields to near 11-month lows of 1.485% as Eurozone inflation dropped to 0.5% (the lowest levels since November 2009) in March to keep the pressure on the European Central Bank (ECB) to enact further stimulus measures.
  • The equity of BOV trended higher for the third consecutive session as it closed the session 0.4% higher to regain the €2.37 level across eleven deals totalling 25,124 shares. The Bank is expected to publish its interim results for the six months ended 31 March 2014 on 25 April.
  • On the other hand, the share price of GO retreated by 1% back to the €1.98 across four trades totalling 5,134 shares. Today, the quad-play telecoms operator mailed out to shareholders the 2013 Annual Report and all the relevant documentation in connection with the upcoming Annual General Meeting scheduled to be held on 6 May.
  • Malita Investments shares also traded in negative territory as its share price slipped 1.8% from its all-time high of €0.55 to €0.54 on low volumes of 6,000 shares.
  • Meanwhile, the equity of HSBC recovered from an intra-day low of €2.36 to end the session unchanged at the €2.38 level across 15,479 shares. This morning, the Bank held its Annual General Meeting during which shareholders approved all the items on the agenda including the final gross dividend of €0.052 per share as well as a 1 for 9 bonus share issue. The dividend will now be paid on 25 April. Shareholders as at the close of trading on 24 April will be eligible to receive the bonus shares.
  • Similarly, the share price of IHI ended the session unchanged at the €0.83 level on low volumes of 4,000 shares.