The Malta Stock Exchange returned to trade in positive territory by recording a gain of 1.41 per cent to end the week at 3,269.236 points. The positive performances recorded on Monday and Tuesday pushed the index to a dissimilar direction, ending its stream of negative performances recorded in the previous sessions. Activity was spread across 12 equities, with the banking equities being once again in the limelight by displaying solid gains. Total turnover decreased to €398,653 traded over a total of 200,452 shares across 105 transactions.

Similarly, a positive sentiment prevailed on the Government Bond Market, as from the 20 active issues all posted gains with the long dated 4.6 MGS 2020 heading the list of gainers by recording a gain of 1.87 per cent. In the Corporate Bond Market turnover increased to €617,635 traded over 19 issues with the 7.15% Mediterranean Investments Holdings plc 2015 being the worst performer on the week by recording a loss of 11.6 per cent.

In the Equity Market, contrary to last week’s negative performance, banking equities offered leadership, as all three active banks posted strong gains. Lombard Bank plc emerged to be the best performer as the equity share value spiked up by 4.87 per cent, cancelling the heavy losses incurred in the previous week. During the week the bank was active in four sessions with yesterday being marked as the best session of the week, as the equity put together some solid gains by snapping a 3.46 per cent to end the week at €2.69. A total of 31,875 shares were traded across 13 transactions.

Similarly, Bank of Valletta plc recovered from last week’s loss by gaining 3.86 per cent or €0.10 to end the week at €2.69. In the first two sessions of the week the bank recorded its best performance as it gained 1.54 per cent and 2.28 per cent respectively, with total trading value reaching €70,002 across 24 trades during the five sessions.

Furthermore, following last week’s positive results HSBC Bank Malta plc share value appreciated by 3.21 per cent. The equity proved to be the most liquid issue, as turnover reached a value of €155,913 traded across 53,997 shares to end the week at €2.89. Monday was the top session of the week, as the banking equity advanced by 3.04 per cent, while on Tuesday it gained another 0.52 per cent. In the following session the equity traded unchanged, while it registered minimal losses in the last two sessions of the week.

Furthermore, the other gainer for the week was Malta International Airport plc, as the airport operator gained 0.63 per cent over two sessions to end the week up at €1.60. Yesterday the company announced that passenger movements in the month of July increased to a rate of 3.4 per cent, reaching a record high for this month of 415,780 passengers.

Conversely, the worst performer for the week came from the hoteliers industry, as International Hotels Investments plc tumbled by 3.70 per cent over the last two sessions of the week. On Thursday the equity lost ground by 2.47 per cent which was supported by a further 1.27 per cent on Friday. In the week a total of 16,960 shares changed ownership over five trades to end the week at €0.78.

Moreover, from the telecommunications sector, a minimal 0.85 per cent was shaved-off Go plc share value. During the week the equity was active in three sessions, of which it posted losses on Monday and Thursday, while it traded unchanged on Tuesday. A total of four deals worth €14,778 were traded to close the week at €1.289.

From the information technology sector, 6pm Holdings plc snapped a 14.29 per cent gain on Monday across 2,000 shares to end the session at £0.32. Meanwhile, RS2 Software plc closed the week flat at €0.55, as 4,175 changed hands over a single trade onTuesday.

Furthermore, Plaza Centres plc closed the week flat at €1.80, as a total of 1,000 shares were dealt across two transactions. Last week the company published the interim financial statements for the six months ended June 30, 2011. The company registered higher revenue in the first six months of 2011 when compared to 2010, amounting to €1.06 million, a rise of 6.8 per cent. However, profit before tax declined slightly, from €658,487 in 2010 to €625,275 in 2011.

From the beverage sector, after last week’s sharp gain Simonds Farsons Cisk plc maintained its previous closing price at €1.80 over one deal of 1,000 shares. Other non-movers for the week were Maltapost plc and Midi plc, as the former closed flat at €1.00 across 47,017 shares which were dealt over 12 trades, while the latter traded flat at €0.44 over thin trading of 100 shares on the last session of the week.

This article, which was com­­piled by Atlas JMFS Investment Services Limited, does not intend to give investment advice and the contents therein should not be construed as such. Atlas JMFS is licensed to conduct investment services by the MFSA and is a member firm of the Malta Stock Exchange.

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 Atlas JMFS at 67, Level 3, South Street, Valletta, or on Tel: 2122 4410, or e-mail info@atlasjmfs.com.

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