Daily Market Highlights (20.04.10)

  • MSE Share Index minimally lower today at 3,479.431 points as the declines in Lombard Bank and MaltaPost outweigh the positive performances of BOV and MIA. Meanwhile HSBC, Middlesea and Medserv closed unchanged. On the bond market, the recently issued 4.8% BOV bonds and 6.25% IHI bonds closed at 2010 highs whilst Malta Government Stocks dipped lower today. Download a copy of today’s Equity Market Summary.
  • BOV edges 0.3% higher to regain the €3.30 level after touching an intra-day high of €3.325. Just over 10,000 shares change hands this morning with further bids outstanding at the closing price whilst lowest offers now placed at the €3.325 level. Yesterday the Bank announced that its Board of Directors is scheduled to meet on Friday 30 April to consider and approve the Group’s financial statements for the six months ended 31 March 2010 and to consider the declaration of an interim dividend.
  • Meanwhile HSBC recovers from an intra-day low of €3.01 to close unchanged at the €3.05 level. Only 1,242 shares exchanged today with best bids still placed at the €3.01 level whilst further offers remain unsatisfied at the closing price. The Bank today paid out the final gross dividend of €0.08 per share.
  • Lombard Bank slumps to a fresh 2010 low of €2.86 also on low volumes of 1,900 shares. The Bank is scheduled to pay its dividend of €0.10 per share next week subject to approval by shareholders during the Annual General Meeting to be held on Thursday 22 April.
  • Medserv maintains its all-time high of €4.30 on high volumes of 25,400 shares. Today was the last day to gain entitlement to the net dividend of €0.135 per share. Medserv recently issued its 2009 full-year results showing a substantial improvement in profitability of the Group. Download a copy of the presentation here.
  • High volumes persist in MaltaPost reaching almost 70,000 shares during this morning’s session. Share price maintaining yesterday’s 2010 high of €0.81 for most of the day before closing 1.2% lower at €0.80. The postal operator will publish its financial statements for the six months ended 31 March 2010 on Thursday 13 May.
  • MIA’s share price inches 1% higher to €3.13 after opening at the €3.15 level. Three trades totalling 5,500 shares executed this morning with best bids still placed at €3.10 whilst lowest offers pitched at the €3.15 level. The airport operator is scheduled to hold its Annual General Meeting on 10 May and will effect a 2 for 1 share split on 1 June.
  • All outstanding bids in Middlesea at the €0.70 level satisfied. Over 16,200 shares trade today ahead of the 2009 results publication next Tuesday 27 April.