The share index closed practically unchanged at 4,444.400 points as the positive performance of three equities offset the declines of three other shares.

RS2 broke into record territory while the equity of Grand Harbour Marina closed at its highest level since early November 2008. Trading volumes improved noticeably with just over €313,000 worth of shares changed hands during this morning’s session.

The equity of Bank of Valletta dropped by a further 0.3 per cent to close at the €2.38,9 level across 20,760 shares on the last day the bank’s equity traded with the entitlement to the final gross dividend of 8c5 (net: 5c525) per share.

The dividend is payable on December 18 subject to shareholder approval at the upcoming annual general meeting scheduled to be held on December 17. During the meeting shareholders will also be asked to approve a one for 12 bonus share issue. On Monday, BOV shares will trade ex-dividend.

Also in the banking sector, the equity of HSBC declined by 0.5 per cent to the €1.87 level across 15,000 shares.

The worst performer of the day was Malita Investments as the equity retreated by 1.1 per cent to the 91c level across 55,000 shares.

On the other hand, the share price of RS2 Software maintained its upward trend as the equity edged by a further 2.2 per cent to a new all-time high of €2.82 across 18,530 shares.

Yesterday, the IT company published its interim directors’ statement explaining that, since June 30, the group continued to build on the success of the previous months as demand for services continued to be significant and in line with that of 2014 as well as the first six months of 2015.

RS2 also continued with its plans to increase its international presence particularly in the US (through its subsidiary Transworks) and Asia (through a new subsidiary to be established in the Philippines).

Overall, the directors stated that RS2 continues to hold a very strong pipeline of potential business and maintains a positive outlook for the year.

In the property sector, Plaza Centres advanced by 0.5 per cent to the 97c level across 20,000 shares.

Yet, the best performer of the day was Grand Harbour Marina as the equity jumped four per cent to a new multi-year high of €1.04 albeit on insignificant volumes of just 1,000 shares.

Yesterday, the company issued its interim directors’ statement explaining that, despite not concluding any berth sales, the group registered a profit before tax amounting to €0.55 million (against €0.29 million in the corresponding period last year) on the back of improvements at both the marinas in Malta and Turkey.

Meanwhile, three equities closed the day unchanged. Simonds Farsons Cisk and Malta International Airport closed at the €6 and €3.99 levels respectively on shallow volumes.

Likewise, GO closed at the €3.15 level after recovering from an intra-day low of €3.07 across 32,400 shares. This morning, it informed the market that its fully-owned subsidiary, GO Data Centre Services, entered into a preliminary agreement to purchase 51 per cent of the issued share capital of Kinetix IT Solutions Limited, a local company specialising in the design, implementation, support and optimisation of ICT solutions for the corporate sector.

On the bond market, the RF MGS Index registered the fourth consecutive increase as it advanced by a further 0.32 per cent to 1,137.888 points. In fact, the 10-year German bund yield edged lower to 0.58 per cent as investors continued to price in expectations of additional expansionary measures by the European Central Bank at the next monetary policy meeting to be held in early December.

On Tuesday, Bank of Valletta confirmed the publication of a prospectus dated October 16 and a supplement dated November 9 in connection with the recently announced €150 million subordinated debt issuance programme.

BOV also published the final terms confirming the issuance of the first tranche of €75 million 3.5 per cent subordinated notes maturing in 2030.

Tranche 1 is split into Series 1 (minimum €25,000 per application) and Series 2 (minimum €5,000 per application). €40 million has been reserved for preferred applicants (shareholders, directors and employees) who must submit all information by November 30. Other investors must apply by December 2.

www.rizzofarrugia.com