The MSE Equity Price Index extended its recent positive run as it added a further 0.04% to a new two-year high of 4,763.681 points. The gain was driven by Mapfre Middlesea which was the only equity to end the day higher. On the other hand, six other shares closed the day flat while trading volumes contracted sharply to just €0.1 million.
Mapfre Middlesea plc climbed 0.9% to regain its near three-year high of €2.36 albeit on trivial volumes. Shareholders as at close of trading on April 30 will be eligible to receive a total net dividend of €0.18476 per share.
Bank of Valletta plc closed the day unchanged at the €1.45 level across 30,278 shares. Shareholders as at close of trading on June 6 will be entitled to one bonus share for every 10 shares held.
Within the same segment, a single deal of 1,331 shares left the equity of HSBC Bank Malta plc at the €1.62 level.
Also among the large companies, Malta International Airport plc retained the €6.60 level after opening 0.8% lower at the €6.55 level. A total of 5,437 shares changed hands.
PG plc and BMIT Technologies plc retained the €1.38 and €0.52 levels respectively on shallow volumes.
Simonds Farsons Cisk plc held on to its 15-month high of €8.75 on activity totalling 1,150 shares.
On Monday, Grand Harbour Marina plc published its 2018 annual report showing an improved performance on the back of higher revenues at Vittoriosa's Grand Harbour Marina as well as lower net finance costs. Overall, GHM reported a net profit of €0.42 million which is substantially higher than the previous comparable period. In their commentary, the directors reiterated their commitment to continue seeking expansion opportunities in both Malta and abroad, despite the persistent challenging international economic and political outlook in various parts of the world. The equity remained inactive on Tuesday.
The RF MGS Index moved lower for the first time in five days as it slipped by 0.05% to 1,114.120 points from Monday's 14-month high of 1,114.687 points. Movements in Malta Government Stock prices reflected widened credit spreads between euro peripheral government bonds and the corresponding German counterparts amid various uncertainties across financial markets including Brexit, monetary policy in the US as well as slower economic growth worldwide.
Stock markets are volatile and subject to fluctuations which cannot be reasonably foreseen. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.