Year-to-date trading in BOV surpasses €17 million

The MSE Equity Price Index rose by 2.25% to a two-week high of 3,753.450 points, rebounding from yesterday’s 20-month low, driven by the gains in nine equities. Meanwhile, four other equities closed unchanged as today’s trading activity amounted to €0.21 million. Download today’s Equity Market Summary.

The vast majority of activity was across Bank of Valletta plc which moved 2.2% higher to the €1.90 level over sixteen deals amounting to 84,558 shares. Since the start of the year, €17 million worth of BOV changed hands on the market, which is higher than the annual trading activity of any equity since 2019. Today, BOV announced that it received regulatory approval for an Unsecured Euro Medium Term Bond Programme of up to €325 million. The first series and first tranche of Tier 2 bonds under the Programme consisting of €100 million (with an overallotment option to a maximum of €125 million) 5.0% subordinated bonds maturing in 2030-2035. The offer period opens on 5 November.

APS Bank plc rebounded by 13.2% to the €0.498 level over trivial volumes.

FIMBank plc rose by 28.7% to the USD0.148 level on muted activity.

HSBC Bank Malta plc increased by 1.4% to the €1.43 level across four trades totalling 21,715 shares.

A single trade of 2,000 shares pushed the share price of Lombard Bank Malta plc 4.6% higher to the €0.68 level.

MedservRegis plc gained 2.8% to the €0.545 level on minimal activity.

Malta International Airport plc moved 0.9% higher to the €5.90 level on one deal of 1,200 shares.

The ordinary shares of RS2 plc (+16.7%) and Quinco Holdings plc (+17.9%) both rose to the €0.35 and €1.25 levels respectively on low volumes.

Meanwhile, BMIT Technologies plc held the €0.308 level on a single trade of 7,000 shares.

GO plc remained at the €2.64 level on two deals totalling 200 shares.

VBL plc closed unchanged at the €0.18 level on two deals amounting to 8,500 shares.

The Convenience Shop (Holding) plc traded flat at the €0.80 level as 11,300 shares changed hands.

The RF MGS Index rose by 0.17% to a fresh four-month high of 918.984 points. The Index has moved higher for eight consecutive sessions for a total rally of 1.17% from 910.498 points. Earlier this week, the IMF released its Autumn World Economic outlook. The report revised near-term global growth forecasts in 2025 upward to 3.2% from 2.8% in the Spring forecast. The report noted that initial impact of tariffs was less severe than previously anticipated, largely due to the implementation of trade deals as well as substantial front-loading of traded goods. Nonetheless, the long-term outlook for economic growth remains subdued, with downside risks, on the back of a depleted front-loaded inventory, potential escalation in tariff policy as well as labour supply shocks.

The IMF noted that euro area growth was revised higher to 1.2% from 0.8% last Spring with a key driver being the fiscal expansion in Germany which has played a key role in boosting growth for 2025. In this respect, projections for economic growth in Germany in 2025 were also increased to 0.2% from expectations of a flat reading last Spring.

On inflation, the report observed that global price pressures appear to be moderating, with the exception of the US, where inflation remains well-above the target of 2% and risks remain tilted to the upside.  Meanwhile, in the euro area inflation is set to moderate to 2.1% in 2025 and fall further to 1.9% in the following year, in line with last Spring’s projections.

With regards to Malta, the IMF maintained its growth projections at 3.9% for both 2025 and 2026, unchanged from its previous forecast in April 2025. However, inflation was revised higher to 2.4% for 2025 (previously 2.1%) and 2.0% for 2026 (previously 1.9%). Meanwhile, the unemployment rate projection was revised lower to 2.5% for both years, compared to 3.1% in the Spring projections.

 

This report contains only public information and is not to be construed as investment advice or an offer to buy or sell 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.