Trading over the week in corporate bonds was made up of a total value of Lm229,466, while total Malta Government Stock turnover amounted to a nominal value of Lm1,019,400, being struck in 107 deals over 19 different stocks. Trading was concentrated around the two new issues: a nominal value of Lm510,000 changed hands in the 5.9 per cent MGS 2015 (II) - Fungibile over 38 deals, while a nominal value of Lm318,200 changed hands in the 5.4 per cent MGS 2010 (IV) over 44 deals.
Twenty deals struck in Bank of Valletta shares this week saw little variation in the equity's price. Trading opened at Lm2.34, ranged between Lm2.33 and Lm2.349, and closed at Lm2.34. Turnover amounted to 11,873 shares, changing hands during the four sessions in which the equity traded. At the close of business yesterday, best bids for seven shares at Lm2.31 stood against best offers of 4,215 shares at Lm2.34.
Similarly, little movement was registered during the week in the price of HSBC shares. Trading opened at Lm4.10 on Monday. During this session, the price reached a high of Lm4.13, but went down to close at Lm4.10. The remaining trades of the week were concluded at that same price. A total of five deals for 3,650 shares were struck. Best bids for 2,740 shares at Lm4 and 1,000 shares at Lm4.10 remained outstanding following yesterday's session.
Meanwhile, a drop of 11.47 per cent was witnessed in the price of Maltacom shares, between the opening price of Lm0.994 and Lm0.88, the closing price for the week. A total of 74,131 shares changed hands over 32 deals. The week's highest position was reached on Monday, when the price reached Lm1. The lowest position was witnessed yesterday when the price went down to Lm0.88. Following the end of yesterday's trading session, 500 shares at Lm0.865 were the best outstanding bids, while 2,650 shares at Lm0.98 were the best unsatisfied offers.
A strong presence was made on the market by Lombard Bank shares, which notched up the highest value of shares traded at Lm70,533.40. A total of 20,020 shares changed hands over six deals during the week, which saw trading open at Lm3.45 and close at Lm3.54. The best outstanding positions at the close of yesterday's session were 5,000 shares at Lm3.54 against 704 shares at Lm3.70.
Suncrest Hotels plc said yesterday it will be holding its annual general meeting on March 27.
Another company announcement issued by Plaza Centres plc reported that its board of directors will meet on March 14 to approve the audited financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2002 and to consider the payment of a dividend.
The other equities which traded during the week were: 8,693 International Hotels Investments shares, between Lm0.83 and Lm0.90; 5,000 Malta International Airport shares, between Lm0.69 and Lm0.699; 9,097 Middle Sea Insurance shares at Lm 2.20, and 500 GloBAl Financial Services Group shares at Lm0.18.
The Malta Stock Exchange Share Index decreased by 39.58 points over the week, equal to 2.07 per cent, and now stands at 1,870.059.