The Malta Stock Exchange index extended last week’s positive return by 0.7 per cent, to close at 3,290.371 points.
Monday and Tuesday were the only trading days for the week during which eight equities were active with a turnover of €237,002.
Five equities advanced, two fell and one closed unchanged.
HSBC Bank Malta plc shares were the best performers.
Bank of Valletta plc shares were the most active having witnessed a volume of 40,731 shares worth just under €90,000. The banking equity failed to sustain last week’s gains as it fell by a marginal 0.5 per cent, to close at its weekly low of €2.20.
Conversely, HSBC Bank Malta plc shares triumphed as, on Monday, the equity traded at a weekly high of €1.975 but ultimately closed on Tuesday at €1.95 – 2.6 per cent or €0.05 higher than last week. The equity was executed over eight deals of 18,577 shares worth €36,574.
In a company announcement, the board of directors of Lombard Bank Malta plc reported that it is scheduled to meet on March 9, 2015 to approve the group’s and the bank’s final audited accounts for the financial year ended December 31, 2014 and to consider the declaration of a final dividend to be recommended to the bank’s Annual General Meeting (AGM). The AGM is scheduled to be held on April 22, 2015. The equity was not active this week.
On Monday, Malta International Airport plc shares advanced by 1.3 per cent as a sole transaction of a mere five shares was struck, to close €0.03 higher at €2.33. The local airport operator has so far registered a year to date gain of 7.9 per cent.
Similarly, Go plc shares appreciated by 1.2 per cent as 13 trades of 27,275 shares were negotiated, also closing €0.03 higher at €2.55. The telecommunications provider recorded an impressive 39.7 per cent rally year to date.
Tigne Mall plc shares increased by 2.6 per cent over a single trade of 8,000 shares, to close at its all-time high of €0.60 – amounting to a 16.5 per cent year to date gain.
Medserv plc shares increased by 1.1 per cent thus marking its sixth consecutive weekly gain, to close at a 16-month high of €1.45. The equity was active on four trades of 11,500 shares.
On a negative note, Grand Harbour Marina plc shares eased 0.3 per cent lower as 8,800 shares changed hands, closing at €1.865.
Meanwhile, Island Hotels Group Holdings plc shares traded flat at €0.85 over one deal on 3,957 shares.
In the corporate bond market 21 issues were active of which 11 gained ground, six declined and four closed unchanged, as €643,000 was traded. The 7.15% Mediterranean Investments Holding plc (MIH) Euro 2015-2017 was the top performer as it soared by 3.3 per cent, to close at €93. Likewise, the 7.5% MIH € 2015 followed suit as it advanced by 2.1 per cent, closing at €97. On Monday, the 6% Mediterranean Bank plc Subordinated Unsecured € 2019-2024 registered a two per cent increase on its first trading day, as it closed at €102.01.
In the sovereign debt market, 21 issues were active of which eight fell in value, 12 gained ground and the 4.1% MGS 2034 (I) closed unchanged. The 5.25% MGS 2030 (I) headed the list of gainers as it rallied by 0.3 per cent, closing at €131.47. Conversely, the short-dated issue 6.1% MGS 2015 declined by 0.2 per cent, to close at €102.64. Meanwhile, the 4.45% MGS 2032 (I) was the most liquid issue as it witnessed a turnover volume of 685,500 nominal and closed at €117.78. Total traded over the two days reached €2.6 million.
We wish our readers a happy and a prosperous 2015.
This article, which was compiled by Jesmond Mizzi Financial Advisors Limited, does not intend to give investment advice and the contents therein should not be construed as such. The company is licensed to conduct investment services by the MFSA and is a member of the Malta Stock Exchange and a member of the Atlas Group.
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 Jesmond Mizzi Financial Advisors Limited at 67, Level 3, South Street, Valletta, or on Tel: 2122 4410, or e-mail info@jesmondmizzi.com.