Daily Market Highlights (27.06.2018)

  • The MSE Equity Price Index dropped by 0.41% to an over three-week low of 4,360.323 points today, reflecting the notable declines in the share prices of IHI, FIMBank and GO which outweighed the gains in HSBC and MIDI. Meanwhile, seven other equities closed the day unchanged. Trading volumes improved further as €0.33 million worth of shares changed hands. Download a copy of today’s Equity Market Summary.
  • The RF MGS Index moved lower for the third consecutive day with a further drop of 0.08% to a fresh two-week low of 1,099.382 points. Volatility across euro zone bond yields remained relatively high amid uncertainties over trade protectionism, in particular between the US and China.
  • International Hotel Investments plc shed 2.9% back to the €0.66 as the equity turned ex-dividend on a total volume of 20,119 shares. The net interim dividend of €0.02 per share will now be paid on 16 July.
  • Similarly, FIMBank plc retreated by 2.9% to a new 7-week low of USD0.505 across two deals totalling 25,206 shares.
  •  GO plc also performed negatively today as it shed 2.3% to a fresh 2018 low of €3.34 on seven deals totalling 10,982 shares.
  • In contrast, HSBC Bank Malta plc added 1.1% to a three-week high of €1.84 across 62,000 shares. In an interview published on the local media this week, HSBC CEO Mr Andrew Beane reiterated his views on the bank’s focus on growing the business in Malta.
  • MIDI plc edged 2.2% higher to yet another record high of €0.47 on volumes totalling 125,629 shares. Today, MIDI held its AGM during which shareholders approved all resolutions placed on the agenda, including the payment of a net dividend of €0.007 per share. This dividend is payable by Friday 13 July.
  • Within the same sector, Malta Properties Company plc retained the €0.52 level on an insignificant deal.
  • Low trading activity also took place in four other equites, all of which closed the day unchanged. These included Lombard Bank Malta plc (€2.28), Malta International Airport plc (€4.98), Mapfre Middlesea plc (€1.94) and Simonds Farsons Cisk plc (€6.90).
  • Medserv plc held on to the €1.00 level across 25,720 shares. Yesterday, the oil and gas services provider announced that it signed a second contract with a multinational corporation to provide Shore Base Logistics services for exploration activities taking place offshore Cyprus.
  • Bank of Valletta plc continued to trade within a tight range and ended the day unchanged at the €1.73 level on a total of 20,364 shares.