The MSE Equity Price Index opened the week in positive territory as it climbed by 0.67% to 4,391.472 points. The gains in four large caps outweighed the declines in HSBC, Malita and MPC while a further three shares traded unchanged. Most of Monday's activity took place in the equity of BOV while several other shares traded on insignificant volumes.
Bank of Valletta plc added 2.3% to regain the €1.31 level on high volumes totalling 224,867 shares.
A single deal of 1,161 shares lifted the equity of Malta International Airport plc 0.8% higher back to the €5.95 level. Last Thursday, MIA announced that 2018 was another record year for the airport operator. Moreover, it issued its 2019 passenger forecast and financial targets indicating new expected record results. MIA also reiterated its plans on various multi-million capital investments including the expansion of the terminal building, a new apron, the parking village as well as SkyParks II.
GO plc advanced by 0.5% to recapture the €4.10 level while International Hotel Investments plc surged by 3.4% to €0.61. Both equities traded on shallow volumes.
Loqus Holdings plc rose 23.4% to the €0.095 level on trivial activity.
HSBC Bank Malta plc eased by 0.6% to the €1.75 level across 13,745 shares.
In the property segment, Malita Investments plc and Malta Properties Company plc lost over 2% to €0.87 and €0.515 respectively albeit on insignificant volumes.
Meanwhile, Main Street Complex plc and Trident Estates plc closed unchanged at €0.64 and €1.32 respectively, also on light activity. Last Thursday, Main Street Complex issued an announcement providing an overview of its operational performance in 2018. The company noted the increased footfall within its commercial premises and explained the initiatives taken to enhance the overall value of its assets.
Five deals totalling 30,823 shares left the equity of FIMBank plc at the $0.70 level.
The RF MGS Index erased most of last Friday’s decline as it rebounded by 0.11% to 1,100.457 points. Sovereign bond yields in the eurozone drifted lower on Friday (bond prices gained) as fresh inflationary data in Germany specifically covering prices of goods sold by manufacturers pointed towards continued ease of momentum.
Stock markets are volatile and subject to fluctuations which cannot be reasonably foreseen. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.