Trading during the past week was characterised by heavy participation in fixed interest securities. The figures speak clearly: total value traded in shares amounted to Lm139,367.20, while bonds (comprising both corporate bonds and Malta government stocks) reached Lm3,753,398.39.
Malta Government Stock turnover over the week amounted to a nominal value of Lm3,115,800, struck in 25 deals over 10 different stocks. Trading was particularly voluminous in the 6.1 per cent MGS 2015, when on Wednesday a nominal value of Lm3 million changed hands over four deals at Lm103.75. Trading over the week in corporate bonds was made up of the following:
Four deals struck in the 6.15 per cent Bank of Valletta 2010, in which a nominal value of Lm10,400 changed hands between Lm102.90 and Lm103.00;
Three deals struck in the 8 per cent Bank of Valletta 2010 (USD), in which a nominal value of $45,000 changed hands between $109.90 and $109.95;
One deal struck in the 6.5 per cent CC Car Parks 2006, in which a nominal value of Lm3,200 changed hands at Lm102.90;
Six deals struck in the 6.5 per cent Corinthia Finance 2010 (EUR), in which a nominal value of E181,500 changed hands between E100.25 and E100.50;
Four deals struck in the 6.7 per cent Eden Finance 2010, in which a nominal value of Lm135,000 changed hands between Lm99.50 and Lm99.70;
Two deals struck in the 7.25 per cent HSBC 2005, in which a nominal value of Lm3,400 changed hands at Lm105.75;
Three deals struck in the Malta Government Privatisation Bond, in which a nominal value of Lm10,700 changed hands between Lm99.75 and Lm99.99; and
Eighteen deals struck in the 6.7 per cent Mizzi Finance 2009/12, in which a nominal value of Lm95,500 changed hands between Lm102.60 and Lm102.80.
The following corporate bonds traded in the put-through market:
Two deals struck in the 6.9 per cent Corinthia Finance 2009, in which a nominal value of Lm50,000 changed hands at Lm102.50;
Two deals struck in the 6.15 per cent Gasan Finance 2003/4, in which a nominal value of Lm50,000 changed hands at Lm100; and
Two deals struck in the 6.75 per cent United Finance 2008, in which a nominal value of Lm60,000 changed hands at Lm103.00.
Bank of Valletta shares were the most traded on the Malta Stock Exchange this past week, both in terms of deals and number of shares traded. Twenty-three deals were struck, on which 29,924 shares changed hands. Bank of Valletta saw the week open at Lm2.95, at which price 324 shares were traded over four deals. Tuesday saw 20,100 shares change hands over three deals between the prices of Lm2.95 and the closing price of Lm2.951. On Wednesday seven deals were struck, in which 4,752 shares changed hands. Trading opened at Lm2.96 then dropped to close the session at Lm2.90.
This latter was the level at which the week closed, after falling slightly to Lm2.899. There were nine deals in total during the last two trading sessions of the week, over which 4,748 shares were traded. Following yesterday's trading session, 500 shares at Lm2.85 and 900 shares at Lm2.90 were the best unsatisfied bids and offers respectively.
The only deal struck in HSBC Bank Malta shares was executed on Tuesday, when 1,800 shares changed hands at Lm3.989. This reflected an increase of 14c9 on the previous closing price. At the close of business yesterday, best bids for 1,260 shares at Lm3.90 and best offers of 500 shares at Lm3.98 were left outstanding.
Maltacom's share price was relatively stable this week. Trading opened at Lm1.18 on Monday when one deal for 1,200 shares was struck. Tuesday and Wednesday saw no trading in this equity, while on Thursday a gain of 1c was registered in the closing price, after eight deals were struck over which 17,526 shares changed hands. Yesterday three deals for 627 shares brought the closing price down to Lm1.17, down by 2c from the previous reading. Best bids for 1,500 shares at Lm1.161 and best offers of 1,495 shares at Lm1.17 were left unsatisfied when the session ended.
In a company announcement issued on Monday by Middlesea Insurance plc, it was stated that during the annual general meeting held on 21 June 2002, the shareholders approved the payment of a dividend of 7c0 per share to those shareholders appearing on the register as at May 21 2002.
The persons who shall be serving on the board of directors are: Hugh Attard Montalto, George Bonnici, Peter Borg, Evelyn Caruana Demajo, Alessandro Corsi, Gaston Debono Grech, John C. Grech, Louis Grech, Mario C. Grech, Mario Grima, Michael Sparberg, Lino Spiteri, Domingo Sugranyes, Frank Xerri de Caro and Joseph F.X. Zahra. During a special board meeting convened immediately after the annual general meeting, Mario C. Grech was appointed chairman and Joseph F.X. Zahra, deputy chairman.
In another company announcement issued on Monday, International Hotel Investments plc stated that it held its second annual general meeting on June 21 where the shareholders approved all the resolutions on the agenda. The following were appointed directors of the company: Alfred Pisani, Louis E. Galea, Joseph Fenech, Joseph J. Vella, Lawrence Zammit.
The other equities which traded during the week are shown hereunder, followed by the price range in which trading was struck: 1,237 shares in Middlesea Insurance plc at Lm2.16; 1,000 shares in Simonds Farsons Cisk plc at Lm0.66; 4,000 shares in International Hotels Investment plc between Lm0.86 and Lm0.861; 20,600 shares in Plaza Centres plc between Lm0.70 and Lm0.75; 2 shares in Datatrak Holdings plc at Lm0.579. No trading was registered in Suncrest Hotels, Globe Financial Management and FIMBank.
With effect from June 24, the newly issued eight per cent Bay Street Finance plc Bonds 2012 have been admitted to the Alternative Companies List, with trading able to commence last Tuesday. However no trades were carried out during the week.
The MSE Share Index dropped by 1.101 points over the week, equivalent to 0.06 per cent, and now stands at 1,991.147. Tuesday saw the Index surface over the 2,000 threshold, when, following gains registered in HSBC shares it reached 2,010.562. However, further losses by Middle Sea Insurance shares (16c decrease following Wednesday's session) and Maltacom shares (2c decrease after yesterday's trades) brought it back to its current level.