The share index failed to register a three-day positive streak as it slipped by 0.22 per cent today to 4,445.204 points.

Most of the today’s trading activity took place in the equity of FIMBank which declined by 3.6 per cent to the 98cUS level (after touching an intra-day low of 96c9US) across 112,565 shares. Yesterday, the trade finance specialist revealed its interim results showing a net profit figure of $1.1 million which contrasts sharply with the $8 million loss suffered during the first six months of 2015. This achievement came on the back of a notable reduction in non-interest expenses and a substantial decrease in impairment allowances. The directors of FIMBank remain committed at guiding the bank in its turnaround strategy.

Also in the banking sector, Bank of Valletta retreated by a minimal 0.2 per cent to the €2.22,5 level on volumes totalling 14,685 shares.

The other negative performing equity today was Medserv as it retracted back to the €1.78 level (-1.2 per cent) on 18,400 shares. Medserv is due to publish its interim results on August 26.

Meanwhile, a single deal of just 500 shares left the equity of RS2 Software intact at the €1.90 level. RS2 is expected to publish its interim results later on today.

Thin trading volumes were also registered in GO which advanced by 0.3 per cent to a fresh 11-week high of €2.92. On Tuesday, GO published its interim financial statements showing a pre-tax profit figure of €17.1 million, which is 31.3 per cent higher than the corresponding period last year.

The company’s results were positively impacted by a gain of €6.1 million arising from the acquisition of a subsidiary. Eliminating this one-off gain, EBITDA still improved by 19 per cent to €29.9 million.

Malta International Airport (14,558 shares) and Mapfre Middlesea plc (4,079 shares) each gained 0.7 per cent to €4.22 and €2.04 respectively. MIA’s interim results will be released on August 17.

On the bond market, the RF MGS Index increased for the third consecutive day to yet another 16-month high of 1,162.211 points. The indicative bid prices of the Central Bank of Malta for 10 Malta Government Stocks reached fresh highs once again today, including the two MGSs issued last February – the 1.5 per cent 2022 IV and the 2.5 per cent 2036 I which went up to 107.48 per cent and 107.33 per cent from the February issue prices of 105 per cent and 101.5 per cent respectively.

Euro zone sovereign yields extended their downward trend amid growing expectations that the European Central Bank will move further down the ratings spectrum and further afield in the duration curve to be able to fulfill its asset purchase programme of €80 billion a month.

Indeed, the 10-year benchmark German Bund yield touched a near two-week low of -0.121 per cent today (from a high of -0.082 per cent of yesterday) whilst the Spanish counterpart slipped to a new all-time low of 0.93 per cent, helped in part by positive developments in relation to the near eight-month political deadlock in Spain.

This morning, the Treasury announced that it received applications from the public for the two new Malta Government Stocks for a value of nearly €186 million (nominal).

The applications for the 1.5 per cent MGS 2022 (IV) having a total nominal value of €5,265,500 will be accepted in full.

On the other hand, applications received for the 2.4 per cent MGS 2041 (I), which amounted to just below €180.7 million, will be satisfied in full for the first €50,000 (nominal) plus a further 15 per cent for any excess amounts rounded up to the nearest €100

Interest on the two new MGS started accruing as from Monday 8 August 2016. In due course, the Treasury will be announcing the date when the refunds of unallocated funds will be made.

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