Daily Market Highlights (18.08.2017)

  • The MSE Share Index retreated by 0.19% from its two-week high of 4,697.641 points to 4,688.600 points today as the 1.5% decline in the share price of HSBC outweighed the gains in three other equities. Trading volumes were weak as only €0.11 million worth of shares changed hands. Week-on-week, the Index advanced by 0.68% largely reflecting the 4.2% rebound in the share price of BOV. Download a copy of today’s Equity Market Summary.
  • On the bond market, the RF MGS Index extended yesterday’s gains by an additional 0.11% to a three-day high of 1,128.966 points as euro zone sovereign yields dropped further (bond prices advanced) following the incidence of a terrorist attack in central Barcelona which left a number of causalities. On the economic front, the euro zone’s trade balance (which measures the difference in value between imported and exported goods and services with the rest of the world) soared to a three-month high of +€26.6 billion in June. Meanwhile, German producer prices increased by a better-than-expected 2.3% year-on-year in July.
  • Bank of Valletta plc advanced for the fifth consecutive trading session as it added a further 0.1% to an over two-week high of €2.147 across seven deals totalling 16,430 shares.
  • PG plc regained its all-time high of €1.40 (+0.1%) across 13,550 shares whilst a single deal of just 5,000 shares lifted the equity of Malta Properties Company plc 2.9% higher back to the €0.53 level.
  • The only negative performing equity today was HSBC Bank Malta plc which fell 1.5% to a one-week low of €1.91 albeit on insignificant volumes.
  • Low trading activity also took place in Mapfre Middlesea plc which maintained the €1.939 level.
  • RS2 Software plc retained the €1.789 level on a single deal of 30,000 shares.
  • This morning, International Hotel Investments plc announced that its Board of Directors is scheduled to meet on Thursday 24 August to consider and approve the interim financial statements covering the six-month period ended 30 June 2017. The equity remained inactive today.
  • Today, Santumas Shareholdings plc published the full-year results covering the financial year ended 30 April 2017. The Company reported a net profit of €1.59 million which is 25% lower than the previous comparable period. During the upcoming Annual General Meeting to be held on Friday 27 October 2017, the Directors will be recommending the distribution of a 1 for 2 bonus share issue to all shareholders as at close of trading on Wednesday 29 November 2017. No trading in the equity took place today.
  • Last Monday, Grand Harbour Marina plc announced the allocation policy with respect to the recently issued €15 million 4.5% unsecured bonds maturing in 2027. In total, the Company received 1,285 applications for an aggregate value of just over €15.8 million. Interest on the new bonds will commence on 22 August 2017. The new bonds are expected to be admitted to listing on the Malta Stock Exchange on 22 August 2017 and trading is expected to commence on 23 August 2017.