Widespread trading in equities; HSBC at a 4-month high

This morning’s session on the Malta Stock Exchange was characterised by activity across 10 equities. Among the shares quoted on the Official List, HSBC Bank Malta plc was the best performer as its share price climbed 3.1% higher to a 4-month high of €3.02. Meanwhile the equities of the hotel operators both closed at fresh lows. International Hotel Investments plc shed 1.3% to €0.74 on two trades totalling 20,000 shares with Island Hotels Group Holdings plc shedding 5.3% to €0.899 on a single trade of 1,000 shares. On the Alternative Companies List, Loqus Holdings plc jumped by 11.1% to €0.20 on minimal volumes.

HSBC’s share price surpassed the €3.00 level for the first time since 5 August. HSBC’s equity gained 3.1% to close at €3.02 on renewed demand. All outstanding offers at the €3.00 level were cleared soon after the market opened this morning. A total of 37,190 shares were exchanged today with lowest offers now available at the €3.095 level.

Bank of Valletta plc closed unchanged at the €3.77 level after touching an intra-day high of €3.78. A total of 11,708 shares traded today. BOV will be holding its Annual General Meeting next Thursday 16 December with the final net dividend of €0.104 per share payable to shareholders the following day. BOV shareholders as at close of trading on 7 January 2011 will be entitled to the 1 for 5 bonus share issue.

FIMBank plc held on to the USD0.94 level as 78,091 shares traded this morning. Likewise, Malta International Airport plc maintained the €1.65 level across 6 trades totalling 14,469 shares. Last week MIA announced a 12.5% increase in passengers for the month of November.