The Malta Stock Exchange share index decreased by 9.151 points or 0.43 per cent over the week and now stands at 2,106.864.
Bank of Valletta shares opened the week's trading at Lm2.67 on Monday and reached a low of Lm2.60 during the week before going back up to close at Lm2.67 again yesterday. Turnover amounted to 38,746 shares spread over 28 deals. As trading drew to a close on Friday, 2,500 shares at Lm2.50 and 900 shares at Lm2.67 were the best outstanding bids and offers respectively.
Maltacom shares opened trading at Lm1.03 on Monday and ranged during the week between Lm1.003 and Lm1.04, before closing yesterday's session at Lm1.005. This was down by 4c5 from the previous reading. Weekly turnover amounted to 149,560 shares changing hands over 19 deals. This includes a put-through deal of 120,000 shares which was struck on Thursday. 1,150 shares at Lm1.005 and 2,140 shares at Lm1.05 were the best outstanding bids and offers respectively after yesterday's session drew to a close.
Trading in HSBC shares opened at Lm5.12 and closed at Lm5.15 on Monday, which was the level at which the remainder of the week's trading was struck. This marked an increase of 4c on the previous week's closing price. Sixteen deals were struck during the week, over which 22,119 shares changed hands. Following the close of business yesterday, best bids for 300 shares at Lm5.14 and best offers of 3,850 shares at Lm5.20 remained unsatisfied.
In a company announcement issued yesterday, the Board of Directors of Malta International Airport plc stated that they are scheduled to meet on Monday, November 17 to approve the interim accounts for the six months ended September 30, 2003 and to consider the declaration of an interim dividend.
The other equities which traded during the week appear below, followed by the range in which trading took place: 20,500 MIA shares between Lm0.63 and Lm0.65; 52,900 International Hotels Investments shares between Lm0.80 and Lm0.82; 8,000 FIMBank plc shares at USD1.10 and 2,800 Plaza Centres shares at Lm0.675.
Total Malta Government Stock turnover amounted to a nominal value of Lm932,800 being traded in 62 deals over 19 different stocks. Of these a nominal value of Lm733,300 was traded in the 7.8 per cent MGS 2018 alone. Trading over the week in corporate bonds was made up of a total value of Lm70,127.
In a company announcement issued yesterday, the Board of Directors of Gasan Finance plc stated that the 6.15 per cent Gasan Finance 2003/4 will be redeemed on December 17. Interest covering the period October 1 2003 to the December 17 will also be paid on that date.