Today, the Central Bank of Malta Stockbroker lowered its bid prices for the Malta Government Stocks as the benchmark 10-year eurozone yield increased. Most notably, the 20-year government paper shed 52 basis points to close at the 103.98% level. Trading activity declined today with only €257,200 (nominal) changing hands as opposed to the volumes of almost €3 million (nominal) transacted on Monday and in most sessions last week.

On the equity market, following two consecutive sessions of gains, Bank of Valletta plc eased marginally back to the €3.275 on increased volumes of over 18,600 shares ahead of the full-year results publication due in the coming weeks. Meanwhile HSBC Bank Malta plc failed to hold on to an intra-day high of €2.82 as the share price slipped back to €2.80 – unchanged from the previous close. Six trades totalling 21,000 HSBC shares were executed today.

The sole positive performer today was Malta International Airport plc as its share price edged 0.6% higher to the €1.529 level. Almost 9,500 shares changed hands today. Earlier this week, the airport operator announced that passenger movements increased by 15.4% during the month of September.

Grand Harbour Marina plc shares were active for the first time in almost a month. 5,000 shares changed hands at the €1.96 level across five deals.

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