Daily Market Highlights (19.07.13)

  • A total of 10 equities were active during the final trading session of this week with the MSE Share Index rising 0.1% to 3,425.068 points. Download a copy of the Equity Market Summary. Over the week, the local equity benchmark eased 0.3% lower mainly due to the declines in HSBC and MIA.
  • On the bond market, the Rizzo Farrugia MGS Index moved higher for the eighth time in the last nine sessions with a further 0.1% increase to yet another all-time high of 1,028.898 points as most of the medium and long-term MGS also reached new highs. The local MGS benchmark ended the week in positive territory for the fourth consecutive time reflecting the downward trend in yields during the same period following reassurances from various central banks, particularly by the US Federal Reserve and European Central Bank, that they will continue to support their respective economies through asset purchases and low interest rates as long as necessary.
  • BOV edged 0.2% higher to €2.28 on volumes of 21,826 shares.
  • The share price of Lombard Bank Malta was lifted 2.8% higher to a fresh 2013 high of €1.85 across three deals totalling 13,410 shares.
  • Meanwhile, a new sell order forced the share price of HSBC 0.2% lower to €2.715 on low volumes of 6,350 shares ahead of the Bank’s interim results publication on 5 August.
  • Similarly, Middlesea Insurance eased 1.2% lower back to the €0.815 level following yesterday’s publication of the Group’s half-year results which showed a 12.9% drop in profitability to €2.4 million. The decline in earnings reflects the losses incurred at Company level particularly in the motor insurance business.
  • On the other hand, FIMBank maintained the US$1.00 level on a single deal of 6,400 shares.
  • RS2 Software’s equity eased 0.8% lower to €1.31 across 3,200 shares.
  • 6pm shares retreated by 1.6% back to the GBP0.61 level on a trade of 1,000 shares.
  • The equity of Island Hotels Group also trended lower with a 5.7% drop back to the €0.66 level across two deals totalling 17,000 shares.
  • On the other hand, MIA jumped 2% to regain the €2.04 level on volumes of 1,500 shares. The airport operator is scheduled to publish its half-year results on 7 August.
  • The only other active equity, Malita Investments ended the session unchanged at the €0.51 level on a deal of 13,500 shares.