Declines in the share prices of HSBC Bank Malta plc and GO plc dragged the MSE Share Index to a new 14-month low. The local equity benchmark slid 0.3 per cent back to 3,323.439 points.

The equity of HSBC Bank Malta plc slumped 1.9 per cent to yet another five-year low of €2.00,1 on low volumes of 6,850 shares. Similarly, Go's share price closed 0.5 per cent lower at €2.04 after failing to hold on to an intra-day high of €2.08 across 2,400 shares.

On the other hand, the share price of Bank of Valletta plc edged 0.5 per cent higher to €2.09 on volumes of 15,500 shares.

Similarly, the equity of Malta International Airport plc inched 1.1 per cent higher to €2.30 on a small deal of 1,000 shares.

The only other active equity was Tigné Mall plc with a 1.8 per cent increase to 52c on a single trade of 5,000 shares.

This afternoon, Crimsonwing plc announced that its board of directors will seek the authorisation of shareholders during the next annual general meeting allowing them to provide the required information to a number of potential bidders interest in acquiring the company.

On the bond market, the Rizzo Farrugia MGS Index jumped 0.2 per cent to yet another fresh all-time high of 1,054.048 points as Eurozone yields slumped back to the 1.257 per cent in view of the tensions in Ukraine and Iraq which could derail the recovery of the global economy.

Yesterday afternoon, Tumas Investments plc announced that it will be redeeming its €25 million 6.25 per cent bonds early in 2014. The announcement also revealed that Tumas Investments will be issuing a new bond which will primarily be offered to the existing bondholders of the bonds to be redeemed in exchange for their existing holding.

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