Index hints at recovery

The Malta Stock Exchange index recovered some of last week's decline, having increased by 0.57 per cent, closing the week at 3,179.388 points. The index registered the only negative session on Wednesday, declining by 1.018 per cent. The highest gain was registered on Monday, with a rise of 0.594 per cent. Nine equities were traded this week, with four closing in negative territory, three remaining unchanged and two closing in positive territory.

A total of 286 deals were registered over the week with a turnover of over €28.86 million, including three put-through trades of €12,663. In the equity market 108 deals were executed for a total value of €343,749, while in the government bond market 61 transactions were registered for a value traded of over €27.75 million. For the second consecutive week, the 5.7% MGS 2012 (III) saw a value traded of over €27.05 million on six deals. A total of 113 deals were registered in the corporate bond market for a value of €758,377. In the Treasury bills market only a single deal was registered, for a total value of €3,992.

HSBC Bank Malta plc was the only gainer from the banking sector this week, having closed the week at €2.80, a rise of 2.19 per cent. HSBC registered three consecutive gains of 1.09 per cent, 0.29 per cent and 0.79 per cent from Monday to Wednesday respectively. A volume of 44,165 shares was registered on 34 deals, registering a gain of €0.06 on the week. The equity traded at a low of €2.75 and a high of €2.802.

The share price of Bank of Valletta plc registered a decline of 0.3 per cent, or €0.01, as the equity registered the most trades, with 44,140 shares changing hands on 38 deals, for a total value of €146,438. A loss of 6.18 per cent registered on Wednesday was the main contributor to this loss, as the share price registered gains of 1.19 per cent, 1.88 per cent and 3.08 per cent on Monday, Thursday and yesterday. The equity traded at a low of €3.19 on Wednesday, while trading at a high of €3.40, closing the week at €3.35. During the past six weeks, week on week, BOV experienced three positive weeks, two flat weeks and one negative week as investors await the annual results to be announced towards the end of the month.

FIMBank plc closed the week unchanged at $1.20, with 16,200 shares changing hands on three deals.

Lombard Bank plc registered a decrease of two per cent yesterday, closing at €2.45, a loss of €0.05, as 10,338 shares changed hands over eight transactions. Yesterday's decrease was on just 38 shares, having remained unchanged on other trading sessions.

Malta International Airport closed the week at €2.25, having remained unchanged during the week, with 2,122 shares changing hands on six deals.

The share price of Go plc recovered last week's loss of 1.71 per cent, as this week the equity gained 1.94 per cent. The closing share price for the week was €1.58, appreciating by €0.03. Go was the other equity to register gains, as a volume of 11,176 shares was registered on 13 transactions.

Island Hotels Group Holdings plc traded at €1, with a single trade of 4,700 shares being executed.

Santumas Shareholdings plc registered a staggering decrease of 17.76 per cent, closing at €2.50, as 2,735 shares changed hands on three transactions. Santumas declined by 1.32 per cent and 16.67 per cent on Monday and yesterday, with yesterday's decline being only on 110 shares.

Simonds Farsons Cisk plc registered a decline of €0.089 yesterday, with just 232 shares changing hands on two deals, closing at €1.61, a decrease of 5.24 per cent.

This article, which was compiled by Jesmond Mizzi Financial Services Ltd, does not intend to give investment advice and the contents therein should not be construed as such. JMFS is licensed to conduct investment services by the MFSA.

The directors or related parties, including the company, and their clients are likely to have an interest in securities mentioned in this article. For further information contact JMFS at 67/3, South Street, Valletta or on telephone 2122 4410 or e-mail jmizzi@jmfs.net.