The Malta Stock Exchange Share Index shed a further 0.6% today to close at 3,454.987 points as six out of the eight active equities traded lower. This further downturn in the local equity market sent the Index below the level at the start of the year. In fact, the year-to-date performance is now at -0.2%.

Most notably HSBC Bank Malta plc closed lower for the sixth consecutive session with its share price slipping a further 1% to a fresh 2010 low of €2.94. Over 15,700 shares changed hands today with further offers remaining unsatisfied at the closing price. Meanwhile Bank of Valletta plc, the day’s only positive performer, edged marginally higher to close at the €3.285 level on volumes of 6,848 shares.

The share price of GO plc also slid 1.2% lower to its 2010 low of €2.05 on a single trade of 4,100 shares. A single trade also executed in International Hotel Investments plc pushed the share price 0.4% lower to close at the €0.822 level on almost 5,000 shares.

Malta International Airport plc closed unchanged at the adjusted price of €1.575 level following the 2-for-1 share split. Volumes increases to 17,400 shares during this morning’s session. The airport operator today issued the May traffic results.

The statistics show a 19.3% increase in passenger movements on the back of the increased seat capacity following the introduction of additional routes. MIA also stated that during the first five months of 2010, passenger numbers increased by 7.7% despite the disruptions in the European airspace caused by the volcanic ash mainly in April.

www.rizzofarrugia.com