The MSE Share Index moved higher for the third consecutive session with a further 0.2% increase to a new five-month high of 3,070.19 points. Today's upturn reflects the 0.8% increase in the share price of HSBC Bank Malta plc to the €2.53 level on a small trade of 400 shares.

On the other hand, GO plc ended lower for the first time since May 11 as the equity only partially recovered from an intra-day low of €1.15 to close minimally below its 2012 high of €1.18 across five trades totalling 9,300 shares.

All other active equities ended this morning's session unchanged. Bank of Valletta plc recovered from an intra-day low of €2.08 to regain the €2.09 level on volumes of just over 6,000 shares.

Malta International Airport plc shares held on to the equity's 2012 high of €1.77 across 7,650 shares whilst a further 1,824 Middlesea Insurance plc shares traded at the equity's multi-year low of 63c.

Over 32,600 RS2 Software plc changed hands at the 50c level with lowest offers pitched at the 55c level. The only other active equity was Plaza Centres plc with 8,000 shares changing hands at the 60c level, unchanged from the previous close.

On the bond market, the Rizzo Farrugia MGS Index eased 0.1% lower to 985.094 points as Eurozone yields moved above the 1.5% level this morning on further talk on more help for Italy and Spain to reduce their borrowing costs.

Moreover, investors were encouraged by the possibility of further quantitative easing by the Federal Reserve following a meeting later on today.

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