Daily Market Highlights (16.07.14)

  • The MSE Share Index retreated by 0.6% to 3,299.918 points as BOV’s 2.4% decrease offset GO’s marginal uplift. Meanwhile, all other active equities ended the session unchanged. Download a copy of the Equity Market Summary.
  • On the bond market, the Rizzo Farrugia MGS Index edged marginally higher to reach yet another new all-time high of 1,058.951 points despite a slight increase in Eurozone yields to the 1.20% level. Today’s uplift is largely due to the better-than-expected growth figures from China which reported a 7.5% (consensus estimate of 7.4%) increase in GDP in the second quarter of 2014. This data restored some confidence across financial markets
  • Yesterday, the Treasury announced the issue of 2 new Malta Government Stocks for a total aggregate amount of €180 million. The 2 new fixed rate stocks are the 2.00% MGS 2020 (V) and the 4.1% MGS 2034 (I). Prices will be determined on Thursday 24 July 2014 in the afternoon. Subscriptions open on Monday 28 July and close on Wednesday 30 July for the General Public (applications of up to €100,000) while tenders in the form of sealed bids (for amounts in excess of €100,000) will be accepted until noon on Monday 4 August.
  • BOV dropped by 2.4% to €2.07 on increased activity totalling 53,186 shares.
  • GO inched minimally higher to €2.22 on volumes of 8,650 shares.
  • Meanwhile, HSBC  shares traded unchanged at €2.01, with 13,784 shares changing hands across 6 trades. HSBC will be publishing its June interim financial statements on 4 August.
  • Medserv held on to its recent gains as a further 11,500 shares traded at the €1.30 level.
  • MIA and RS2 Software also traded unchanged at €2.30 (4,130 shares) and €2.50 (8,873 shares) respectively.
  • Shallow volumes were traded in the shares of Middlesea Insurance and Farsons . Both equities also closed unchanged at €0.87 (144 shares) and €2.95 (500 shares) respectively.
  • Tomorrow the interim reporting season will commence with the publication of results by Middlesea Insurance. Crimsonwing will also be publishing its financial statements tomorrow for the year ended 31 March 2014.