Increased volumes across large caps

Increased trading activity was registered across four of the largest equities listed on the Malta Stock Exchange with total volumes amounting to over €500,000. Overall, the MSE Share Index jumped 1.4% higher during this morning’s session to 3,131.94 points representing a new 2-week high.

Following yesterday’s Interim Statement publication, HSBC Bank Malta plc’s share price eased 0.4% lower to the €2.689 level on a single trade of 48,000 shares. In yesterday’s announcement the Bank revealed that its 2011 financials will be adversely impacted by a one-off €10 million restructuring charge. Moreover, the Bank explained that it is expecting a more difficult 2012.

On the other hand, fresh demand for Bank of Valletta plc lifted its share price 3.3% higher to regain the €2.50 level across increased volumes of almost 90,000 shares.

International Hotel Investments plc also closed the day in positive territory as its share price jumped 4.7% today on high volumes of over 116,000 shares. Similarly GO plc’s share price moved 0.9% higher to regain the €1.03 level across four trades totalling 52,500 shares.

This afternoon, Simonds Farsons Cisk plc issued its Interim Directors’ Statement covering the three months ended 31 October 2011. During the period under review the Group registered a satisfactory performance as revenues across all business segments continued to grow despite the highly intense and competitive market dynamics. As such, the Farsons Group expects to register a further improvement in profitability for the current financial year ending 31 January 2012 compared to the previous year. During the year to 31 January 2011 the Group had registered a 35% increase in profits amounting to over €3.7 million. In the announcement the Directors also confirmed that works on the new brewhouse and water treatment facility are on schedule to start operations by summer 2012.

Today is the last day for the general public to apply for the new Malta Government Stocks, namely the 4.25% MGS 2017 (III) and the 5.2% MGS 2031 (I). A total aggregate amount of €100 million with an over-allotment option of another €44 million is on offer. Meanwhile tenders will be accepted until Friday 18 November at 12 noon.