MSE Equity Price Index trends lower on light volumes

The MSE Equity Price Index moved 0.6% lower to 3,632.018 points reflecting the declines in the ordinary shares of RS2, MIA, Malita and Loqus. Meanwhile, three other companies closed the day unchanged as overall trading activity in equities contracted further to €0.05 million. Download today’s Equity Market Summary.

Malta International Airport plc fell by 1.7% to the €5.80 level on three deals totalling 2,292 shares.

The ordinary shares of RS2 Software plc dropped by 5.8% to the €1.30 level after partially recovering from an intraday low of €1.25 (-9.4%). A total of 11,250 shares changed hands.

Malita Investments plc plunged 7.7% to the €0.72 level after partially recovering from a multi-year low of €0.60 (-23.1%). A total of 10,500 shares traded.

On the Alternative Companies List, Loqus Holdings plc tumbled 15.8% to the €0.16 level on a single deal of 40,000 shares.

Meanwhile, Bank of Valletta plc held on to the €0.90 level after opening at a low of €0.88 (-2.2%). A total of 4,800 shares changed hands.

Also in the retail banking sector, HSBC Bank Malta plc remained at the €0.74 level on 1,248 shares.

Malta Properties Company plc stayed at the €0.498 level across 2,151 shares.

The RF MGS Index moved lower for the third consecutive session as it shed 0.42% to 870.472 points. The Index lost 1.33% during the past five days as sovereign bond yields in the euro area continued to move higher as the European Central Bank is soon expected to raise interest rates again later this month. Meanwhile in the US, fresh data showed that the underlying dynamics of the labour market remained strong as the unemployment rate dropped back to 3.5% level.

On the local corporate bond market, Mariner Finance plc and Best Deal Properties Holding plc announced that they submitted applications to the MFSA requesting the admissibility to listing of new bonds.

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.