Daily Market Highlights (23.03.2018)

  • The MSE Equity Price Index eased marginally lower during today’s trading session to 4,521.398 points largely due to declines in HSBC and MIA as well as another three equities. On the other hand, BOV moved higher as it published its full-year results. Mapfre Middlesea and RS2 also trended higher whilst a further three equities, including GO, ended the session unchanged. Over this shortened week, the MSE Equity Price Index moved 1.2% higher mainly on the back of increases in BOV, GO and RS2. Download a copy of today’s Equity Market Summary.
  • The RF MGS Index edged 0.1% higher to 1,118.710 points largely reflecting yesterday’s sharp downturn in eurozone yields after some disappointing data across the eurozone and as the US Federal Reserve failed to meet expectations.
  • The share price of Bank of Valletta plc trended higher for the third consecutive session with a rise of a further 2.2% to regain the €1.90 level for the first time since late November 2017. This afternoon, the Bank published its financial results for the 15-month period ended 31 December 2017. The results showed a 26.1% increase in net profit to €119.5 million as the decline in total operating income and increase in operating expenses was offset by recoveries and a significantly higher level of profits from associates. The Directors recommended a final gross dividend of €0.08 per share (net: €0.052) to all shareholders as at the close of trading on Friday 6 April. Shareholders will have the right to receive the dividend in cash or in new shares at a price which is yet to be established.
  • RS2 Software plc continued to recover and added a further 2.1% to regain the €1.48 level across four deals totalling 12,000 shares. The company has yet to announce the date of the publication of its 2017 full-year results.
  • The only other positive performing equity today was Mapfre Middlesea plc as it jumped 3.1% to close at a fresh 10-month high of €2.00 across seven deals totalling 21,250 shares.
  • On the other hand, HSBC Bank Malta plc drifted 1.1% lower back to the €1.85 level on shallow volumes of 2,556 shares. The Bank is scheduled to hold its Annual General Meeting on 12 April.
  • Similarly, Malta International Airport plc eased by 0.8% back to the €4.90 level although it still trading with the entitlement to the final net dividend of €0.07 per share until 4 April. A total of 39,116 shares changed hands.
  • Medserv plc also trended lower today with a 0.9% dip back to the €1.14 level on low volumes of 2,610 shares. Medserv has also not yet announced the date of the publication of its 2017 full-year results.
  • In the property segment, MIDI plc eased by 1.1% to €0.346 on a single trade of 30,000 shares and Malta Properties Company plc shed 2% to €0.48 on volumes of 10,900 shares.
  • Meanwhile, GO plc maintained the €3.60 level on volumes of 8,000 shares.
  • Likewise, Malita Investments plc (€0.805) and Trident Estates plc (€1.85) held on to their previous closing prices on shallow activity.