Daily Market Highlights (25.01.16)

  • Following last week’s positive performance, the MSE Share Index retreated to 4,495.386 points (-0.57%) today as 5 equities closed lower on reduced activity totalling a value of just below €300,000. Download a copy of today’s Equity Market Summary.
  • On the bond market, the RF MGS Index slid by a marginal degree to 1,139.324 points (-0.04%) as the 10-year benchmark German Bund yield remained largely flat to last Friday’s level of 0.48%. On the economic front, the latest data showed that in Germany, sentiment amongst businesses and manufactures declined to their lowest levels in recent months, possibly because of a weaker export outlook.
  • Bank of Valletta plc eased 0.9% lower to the €2.22 level across 78,300 shares for a value of €174,700, representing 60% of today’s value traded.
  • Also in the banking sector, HSBC Bank Malta plc trended 0.3% lower to the €1.79 level across 12,200 shares. The Bank is expected to announce its 2015 full year results on 22 February. The Directors will also consider recommending a final dividend for approval at the upcoming Annual General Meeting to be held on 15 April.
  • Malta Properties Company plc shed most of its gains since the start of the year as the equity closed 6.9% lower at €0.54 across 13,000 shares.
  • The equity of Mapfre Middlesea plc declined from its multi-year high of €2.35 to the €2.255 level (-4.0%) across 10,200 shares.
  • The other negative performer of the day was RS2 Software plc as the equity declined by 0.3% to the €3.281 level across decreased volumes totalling 6,570 shares.
  • Malta International Airport plc edged minimally higher to the €4.351 level after briefly touching a new all-time high of €4.352. Only 4,800 shares changed hands today.  MIA will publish its 2015 financial results on 24 February. The Board of Directors will also be considering the payment of a final dividend.
  • Meanwhile, three equites closed flat. Two single deals of just 216 and 500 shares left the equities of 6PM holdings plc and Plaza Centres plc unchanged at GBP0.70 and €1.00 respectively.
  • GO plc maintained the €3.15 level on total activity of 6,624 shares after opening at an intra-day low of €3.12. Last Wednesday, the quad-play operator announced that it exercised its option of increasing its stake in the Cypriot telecoms company Cablenet from the current level of 25% to 51%. Commenting on the transaction, GO’s Chairman stated that Cablenet continues to perform strongly, delivering steady, double-digit growth in both revenue and EBITDA over recent years. The Chairman also stated that the company offers significant potential for GO.
  • Medserv plc’s Lapsed Rights Offer period will close on Wednesday. A total of 3.5 million shares are available for subscription during the auction process at a minimum bid price of €1.50. Recently, the oil and gas logistics company unveiled that it was awarded two full service logistics contracts offshore Libya having an estimated value of between of €2 to €3 million. These are expected to commence in the second quarter of 2016 and will require Medserv to utilise both their Malta Base facilities and their Libyan Branch.