Bank of Valletta's share price traded within a narrow range today but ultimately ended the session 0.2 per cent higher at the €2.16 level across 22,000 shares.

This month marks the end of the group’s financial year with the preliminary results generally published by the end of October.

This year, the publication of the financial statements will also coincide with the publication of the results of the asset quality review and stress tests undertaken by the European Central Bank (across 131 systematically important banks across Europe in anticipation of assuming its role as the single supervisor of such banks.

The results will not only establish the financial and capital position of each bank but will also make recommendations on how each bank should strengthen its balance sheet.

Similarly, the share price of Lombard Bank Malta plc advanced by 2.6 per cent to regain the €1.60 level on volumes of 11,313 shares. Shareholders are still awaiting developments with respect to the shares held by Bank’s largest shareholder, Cyprus Popular Bank, which is currently under the control of a liquidator.

The only other positive performer today was Malita Investments plc with a 1.9 per cent increase to recapture the 55c level on high volumes of 98,000 shares.

On the other hand, the equity of HSBC Bank Malta plc eased minimally lower to €1.99,9 on just 5,925 shares.

Tigné Mall plc shares also closed in negative territory as the equity retreated by 2.7 per cent back to the 51c1 level on high volumes of 192,000 shares. The company is scheduled to pay the recently declared gross interim dividend of 0.97c per share on September 26.

Meanwhile, a further 20,000 Medserv plc shares traded unchanged at the €1.27,5 level across two deals. Likewise, no change was registered in the share price of Middlesea Insurance plc at the 93c level on just 1,000 shares.

Overall, the MSE Share Index edged 0.1 per cent higher to 3,298.021 points.

On the bond market, the Rizzo Farrugia MGS Index extended its positive run as it edged minimally higher to reach yet another all-time high of 1,077.539 points as Eurozone yields slipped back below the 0.9 per cent level with weak Eurozone manufacturing data supporting the case for quantitative easing from the European Central Bank (ECB).

The ECB is expected to hold its monthly monetary policy meeting on Thursday.

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