Daily Market Highlights (04.10.10)

  • Local equity market kicks off this week in negative territory as the MSE Share Index eased 0.2% lower to 3,390.068 points as declines in HSBC and Lombard offset increases in the share prices of BOV and MIA. Meanwhile all the other four active equities closed unchanged. Download a copy of today’s Equity Market Summary.
  • High volumes in the 20-year government paper sustained during this morning session as a further €2.98 million changed hands in the 5.25% MGS 2030 (I). The price of this stock today opened at 104.52% (just 14 basis points below its all-time high) but as supply emerged in the market, the Central Bank of Malta Stockbrokers lowered its bid price to 104.47% which was reflected in the stock’s market price.
  • BOV’s share price helped move higher by another 0.6% to the €3.26 level following last week’s 0.3% rise.  Eleven trades amounting to over 11,000 shares transacted today with few other offers remaining unsatisfied at the closing price whilst best bids now placed at the €3.24 level.
  • Meanwhile fresh sell orders forced HSBC 1.2% back to the €2.82 level on volumes of 7,855 shares. Further offers outstanding at the last traded price with best bids now in the market at the €2.81 level.
  • Lombard also closed minimally lower at €2.739 after recovering from a fresh 2010 low of €2.70 across 5,064 shares. Best bids in the market at €2.70 whilst lowest offers pitched at the €2.74 level.
  • MIA recovers from last week’s 1.4% drop as the equity regains the €1.52 level across four trades totalling 6,700 shares. The September 2010 passenger numbers published this afternoon show a 15.4% increase in passenger movements during the month.
  • FIMBank closed unchanged at the US0.99 level on two deals amounting to 10,000 shares. Last week the trade specialist announced that it has submitted an application to the Listing Authority to issue a new three year bond carrying a coupon of 4.25% and denominated in both euro and US Dollars.
  • Plaza Centres traded unchanged at the €1.685 level on increased volumes of 28,700 shares. Further offers remained unsatisfied at the closing price whilst best bids now pitched at the €1.52 level.
  • Single trades transacted in Medserv and MaltaPost. Medserv maintained the €4.28 level on just 115 shares. The postal operator also closed unchanged at the €0.90 level on volumes of over 2,000 shares.