HSBC and BOV dominate trading activity

The MSE Equity Price Index eased by 0.09% to 3,829.648 points as the gains in HSBC were offset by the declines of BOV, APS, and MaltaPost. Download today’s Equity Market Summary.

HSBC Bank Malta plc was today’s most actively traded equity as it advanced by 1.6% to the €1.30 level across seven trades totalling 61,102 shares. HSBC shareholders as at close of trading today will receive a net interim dividend of €0.039 per share, payable on 15 September 2023.

Bank of Valletta plc shed 0.8% to the €1.30 level after partly recovering from an intra-day low of €1.28 (-2.4%) across sixteen trades totalling 57,219 shares.

Also in the banking sector, APS Bank plc declined by 1.6% to €0.62 on a single deal of 4,080 shares. APS shareholders as of close of trading on 23 August 2023 will receive a net interim dividend of €0.0056 per share, which shareholders can elect to receive the dividend either in cash or through the issuance of new ordinary shares at an attribution price of €0.57 per share.

Elsewhere, MaltaPost plc dropped by 4.3% to the €0.44 level on one trade of 15,000 shares.

Today, Trident Estates plc announced that further to a call for tenders and the successful completion of the evaluation process, the European Union Agency for Asylum in Malta signed an eleven-year lease agreement at Trident Park. Trident Estates explained that Trident Park has reached 77% occupancy when including all lease agreements executed to date. Additionally, Trident Estates stated that it is in various stages of negotiation with a number of prospective tenants as management continues to work on leasing the remaining spaces.

Malta Properties Company plc announced that its Board of Directors is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 30 August 2023 to consider and approve the interim financial statements for the six-month period ended 30 June 2023.

Yesterday, The Convenience Shop (Holding) plc announced that its Board of Directors is scheduled to meet on Thursday 24 August 2023 to consider and approve the interim financial statements for the six-month period ended 30 June 2023. The Directors will also consider the declaration of an interim dividend.

The RF MGS Index snapped a four-day positive streak losing 0.28% to 872.005 points. Data published today in the US showed that year-over-year inflation in July was at 3.2%, which is marginally above the 3% level reported in June, but lower than the 3.3% forecasted figure. Despite that July’s reading marked the country’s first increase over the past twelve consecutive months, core inflation (which excludes food and energy prices) eased to 4.7% compared to 4.8% in the previous month. Other data from the US labour market showed a sharp increase in applications for unemployment benefits, suggesting that the US labour market is starting to cool.

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.