In contrast to the last three positive trading sessions, the MSE Share Index dropped 0.5 per cent this morning to 3,396.892 points mainly due to the drop in the share prices of Bank of Valletta plc and HSBC Bank Malta plc.

BOV's equity shed 1.4 per cent to a new seven-month low of €2.79 across 18 trades totalling over 27,000 shares.

Meanwhile, HSBC Bank Malta plc registered a gain of 0.7 per cent this week but the equity slipped by 0.7 per cent today after it failed to hold on to the €3 level.

Despite today's downturn, the local equity benchmark still ended the week 2.1 per cent higher mainly due to the 14.3 per cent jump in the share price of International Hotel Investments plc to the €0.80 level recorded yesterday.

This level was maintained today as a further 31,250 shares traded at a five-week high of €0.80.

Elsewhere in the market, GO plc's share price eased minimally lower during this morning's session to close at the €1.38 level across six trades, totalling just under 19,000 shares.

GO's equity continued to recover from its recent all-time low of €1.27 as it gained a further 2.2 per cent this week.

Meanwhile, further demand for Malta International Airport plc shares lifted the equity 0.6 per cent higher to €1.71 across two trades totalling 4,000 shares.

The airport operator is shortly expected to publish its interim statement covering the performance since the start of 2011.

Plaza Centres plc is also shortly expected to publish its interim statement. Plaza will be holding its annual general meeting next Tuesday, International Hotel Investments plc next Thursday.

www.rizzofarrugia.com