This afternoon Malta International Airport plc published the September traffic results revealing a growth in passenger numbers for the fifth consecutive month. The airport operator announced a further 15.4% increase during September to 373,610 passenger movements – a new record for the month of September. For the first nine months of 2010 passenger movements total 2,584,305 representing a 12.4% increase over the same period last year. This growth is mainly driven by the increased seat capacity following the introduction of new routes this year.

Earlier on in the day, MIA’s equity reversed most of last week’s drop to regain the €1.52 level. Lowest offers are now placed at the €1.53 level.

Elsewhere, Bank of Valletta plc edged 0.6% higher to close at the €3.26 level on volumes of over 11,000 shares while HSBC Bank Malta plc slipped 1.2% lower back to the €2.82 level across nine trades amounting to 7,855 shares.

The share price of Lombard Bank Malta plc touched a new 2010 low of €2.70 before fresh bids lifted the equity back up to the €2.739 level. Four other equities were but all closed the day unchanged. The most notable volumes were registered in Plaza Centres plc where 28,700 shares traded at the €1.685 level.

On the bond market, trading activity remained high with almost €3 million (nominal) again registered in the 5.25% MGS 2030 (I). Prices edged higher as the Central Bank of Malta Stockbroker raised its bid price for Malta Government Stocks as the benchmark 10-year Eurozone yield eased back to the 2.25% level.

www.rizzofarrugia.com now also available on mobile