HSBC rallies ahead of results

Further demand for HSBC Bank Malta plc shares in anticipation of the full-year results publication by the end of February lifted the equity higher for the fourth consecutive day. During today’s session, HSBC’s share price gained a further 4.5% to a new 11-month high of €3.50 on increased volumes of 62,290 shares.

Bank of Valletta plc also gained further ground as its share price edged another 1.7% higher to close at the €3.199 level on volumes of over 32,600 shares. The bonus shares issued recently have been allocated today with trading expected to commence as from tomorrow.

The gains in the two largest capitalised companies helped the MSE Share Index climb by 1.65% to a new 11-month high of 3,838.021 points.

On the other hand, fresh sell orders forced FIMBank plc’s share price 3.2% lower to its 2010 low of US$0.92 across five trades totalling 18,136 shares. The trade finance specialist is scheduled to publish its full-year results on 3 March.

Malta International Airport plc’s equity also had a negative performance today. The share price of the airport operator eased by 0.6% from its 2010 high of €1.66 to close at the €1.65 level. Over 14,000 shares changed hands today with further bids unsatisfied at the closing price with lowest offers placed at the €1.70 level.

A miniscule trade of 323 Simonds Farsons Cisk plc shares was executed at the €1.68 level, unchanged from the previous close. MaltaPost plc also maintained its all-time high of €1.00 on volumes of 8,000 shares.

Meanwhile the Rizzo Farrugia MGS Index slipped 0.2% lower back to 992.124 points as the benchmark Eurozone yield sharply recovered to the 2.98%.