Trading activity on the equity market during the past two days declined when compared to the higher volumes registered in previous days.

Today the MSE Share Index edged 0.2 per cent higher to 3,103.426 points on the back of a 1.3 per cent recovery in International Hotel Investments plc's equity to 80c level on volumes of 7,632 shares.

Further bids remain unsatisfied at this level with lowest offers of 10,000 shares at the recent price of 81c5.

Meanwhile, Bank of Valletta plc eased another 0.2 per cent lower to close at the €2.45 level across 17 trades totalling almost 30,000 shares.

On October 28, BOV will be publishing its preliminary results for the financial year ended September 30 and the final proposed dividend is also expected to be recommended for approval by shareholders at the annual general meeting.

All other active equities closed unchanged including HSBC Bank Malta plc which maintained the €2.66 level.

The equity of Malta International Airport plc had a muted reaction to yesterday's surprise announcement as a further 3,900 shares traded at the €1.70 level with no further shares being offered in the market at this level. The airport operator yesterday announced that it is raising its 2011 passenger growth forecast from 3.2 per cent to at least 4.5 per cent following the arrival of the three millionth passenger for 2011.

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