Bonds active

Total Malta Government Stock turnover amounted to a nominal value of Lm891,000 being traded in 41 deals over 18 different stocks. Of these, a nominal value of Lm500,000 changed hands in one deal in the 6.6 per cent MGS 2019. Trading over the week in corporate bonds was made up of a total value of Lm54,368.

Bank of Valletta shares witnessed a decrease of 7c during the week when trading opened on Monday at Lm4.47 and went down to close yesterday's session at Lm4.40. During the week, trading ranged between Lm4.484 and Lm4.35. A total of 28,138 shares changed hands in over 39 deals. At the end of yesterday's session, bids for 447 shares at Lm4.37 and offers of 2920 shares at Lm4.45 made up the best unsatisfied closing positions.

In a company announcement issued on Monday, Bank of Valletta plc announced that all resolutions including the special business forwarded at the recently held annual general meeting had been approved. Furthermore, the newly elected directors of the company include Joseph Borg, Franco Masini, Marlene Mizzi, George Portanier, Norman Rosignaud and Franco Xuereb.

In another company announcement issued on Tuesday, Bank of Valletta plc announced that with effect from December 17, 2004, Franco Xuereb has been elected a director of the company. Mr Xuereb has been working with the bank since 1983 and has occupied various managerial positions within the company. Presently he is the general manager of BOV Stockbrokers Limited.

Trading in HSBC shares opened the week at Lm7.96 on Monday and gained 3c9 during the week to end yesterday's session at Lm7.999. Trading for the week consisted of 22,563 shares changing hands over 22 deals. At the close of the business yesterday, best bids for 1,000 shares at Lm7.50 and best offers for 750 shares at Lm7.997 remained outstanding.

Meanwhile, Maltacom shares lost 1c9 during the week to end yesterday's session at Lm1.431 after opening at Lm1.45 on Monday. Trading during the week ranged between Lm1.45 and Lm1.43, with total turnover amounting to 33,061 shares. These shares changed hands over 27 deals. Following the close of business on Friday, best unsatisfied bids for 50 shares at Lm 1.431 stood against best unsatisfied offers of 948 shares at Lm 1.44.

Yesterday, Middlesea Insurance announced that Roderick Chalmers has been appointed as a director of the company with effect from yesterday.

The other equities which traded during the week appear below, followed by the range in which trading took place; 1,350 Middlesea Insurance plc shares at Lm2.50; 13,316 Simonds Farsons Cisk shares between Lm1.15 and Lm1.12; 16,500 International Hotels Investment shares between €0.751 and €0.75; 10,043 FimBank shares at USD0.989; 14,894 Malta International Airport Shares between Lm1.109 and Lm1.091; 4,000 Global Financial Services shares between Lm1.23 and Lm1.20; 1,489 Lombard Bank shares between Lm4.25 and Lm4.251.

The Malta Stock Exchange share index decreased by 29.15 points or 0.956 per cent over the week and now stands at 3,019.01.

We wish our readers a Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.