APS & BOV dominate trading activity

The MSE Equity Price Index fell by 0.18% to 3,794.501 points as the declines in BOV, APS and Plaza outweighed the gain in HSBC. Meanwhile, Malta Properties Company plc held the €0.356 level on muted activity. Download today’s Equity Market Summary.

Bank of Valletta plc continued to trade in a tight range as it eased by 0.7% to the €1.33 level after partially recovering from an intraday low of €1.30 (-3%) across six deals totalling 29,575 shares.

Also in the banking sector, APS Bank plc fell by 1.8% to the €0.55 level after partially recovering from a low of €0.545 (-2.7%) across five trades totalling 62,521 shares.

A single deal of 1,800 shares pulled the share price of Plaza Centres plc 11.8% lower to the €0.60 level.

HSBC Bank Malta plc advanced by 0.8% to the €1.29 level as 2,036 shares changed hands.

The RF MGS Index registered a five-day losing streak as it fell by a further 0.07% to 889.732 points, the lowest level in five weeks. While speculation over the timing of any potential interest rate cuts by major central banks continues, European natural gas prices fell to the lowest level since August as the region holds substantial reserves, despite an increase in demand following the cold weather within the continent. Elsewhere in the UK, retail sales fell by 3.2% in December 2023, well above the expected decline of 0.5%. In particular, sales in department stores tumbled by 7.1%. Nonetheless, some analysts noted that the data could also be due to shoppers purchasing festive gifts earlier in November.

This report contains public information only and is not to be construed as investment advice or an offer to buy or sell any securities. Information contained herein is based on data obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but no representations or guarantees are made with regard to the accuracy of the data. Stock markets are volatile and subject to fluctuations which cannot be reasonably foreseen. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. Rizzo, Farrugia & Co. (Stockbrokers) Limited is a company licensed to undertake investment services in Malta by the MFSA under the Investment Services Act, Cap—370 of the Laws of Malta and a member of the Malta Stock Exchange.