The share price of HSBC Bank Malta plc closed lower for the second successive session on lack of support for the equity. After yesterday’s 1.9% drop, the Bank’s share price slipped a further 1.2% during this morning’s session to drop back to the €3.42 level on low volumes of just over 10,700 shares. The downturn in HSBC lowered the MSE Share Index by 0.3% to 3,845.02 points.
Meanwhile Bank of Valletta plc failed to hold on to an intra-day high of €3.155 closing the day unchanged at the €3.15 level. Sixteen trades amounting to 16,152 shares were transacted today. On the other hand, FIMBank plc traded for the first time this week as a single trade of 2,000 shares was transacted at the US$0.94 level representing a 2.2% rise from the previous close. The trade finance specialist is scheduled to report its 2010 financial statements on 3 March.
Malta International Airport plc held on to yesterday’s multi-year high of €1.70 as another 1,400 shares changed hands at this level. However outstanding bids are already placed at the €1.71 level with lowest offers at €1.75. The airport operator is shortly expected to announce the 2010 passenger numbers which are expected to show a higher than forecasted growth. In fact, MIA already registered a 13% increase in passengers during the first eleven months of 2010 compared to the 8% forecast.
The local bond market closed in negative territory for the seventh successive session. The Rizzo Farrugia MGS Index eases marginally lower today as the benchmark 10-year Eurozone yield hits the 3.10% level.
www.rizzofarrugia.com now also available on mobile