The share prices of both HSBC Bank Malta plc and Bank of Valletta plc edged marginally higher today following yesterday's declines.

HSBC's equity gained 0.4 per cent to close at the €2.66 level on a single deal of 770 shares.

Meanwhile, BOV's equity moved minimally higher to regain the €2.40 level on volumes of just over 29,800 shares.

The bBank's equity is still trading with the entitlement to the final gross dividend of 13c per share and the one for nine bonus issue.

Simonds Farsons Cisk plc also ended the session in positive territory as the equity reversed last Monday's minimal dip to close again at the €2.40 level across five trades totalling 5,713 shares. Further bids remain unsatisfied at this level with lowest offers now at €2.45.

Meanwhile, Crimsonwing plc held on to its 20-month high of 38c on volumes of 22,395 shares.

Trading activity in the IT equity has increased since the publication of an interview (subsequently replicated in a company announcement) with the CEO David Walsh in which he revealed that the group is expected to report improved performances in the present financial year and should reach a pre-tax profit of €2 million by the next financial year ending March 31.

On the bond market, the Rizzo Farrugia MGS Index edged 0.1 per cent higher to reach a new 14-month high of 998.354 points as Eurozone yields slipped to a new nine-month low of 1.368 per cent.

Treasury markets around the globe rallied today after Barack Obama was re-elected US President.

Treasuries advanced on the expectation that the US Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke will retain his post and therefore also maintain the accommodative monetary policy adopted in recent months.

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