Trading activity across the equity market today was weak as the session was shortened due to technical problems.

The share index gained 0.3 per cent to 3,304.642 points as a result of the upturn in BOV while the other four active equities closed unchanged.

Bank of Valletta advanced by 1.4 per cent to regain the €2.23 level on continued weak volumes of 18,254 shares as the market awaited the publication of the September 2014 full-year financial statements.

These were published shortly after the close of the trading session.

BOV reported a 10 per cent decline in pre-tax profits to €104 million. The directors recommended the payment of a final gross dividend of 9c25 per share (final net dividend of 6c01 per share), representing a decline of 21 per cent compared to the final dividend of last year.

This year’s final dividend is payable to those shareholders as at close of trading on November 13. Moreover, a bonus share issue of one new share for every 11 held will be allotted to shareholders as at close of trading on January 14.

HSBC held on to the €1.97 level on a single trade of 2,173 shares. The other active equities today were Malta International Airport (15,000 shares at €2.33), Lombard Bank Malta (1,000 shares at €1.75) and 6pm Holdings (500 shares at 72p).

In the coming weeks, most companies will be issuing their interim directors’ statements explaining the performance since the publication of the June half-year results.

On the bond market, the Rizzo Farrugia MGS Index recovered to 1,093.070 points as Eurozone benchmark yields dropped back to the 0.84 per cent level.

Last night, the Bank of Japan unexpectedly increased its target for monetary stimulus leading to a rally across equity and bond markets.

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