The MSE Equity Price Index slipped by 0.2% to 4,710.919 points, largely reflecting the declines in BOV and HSBC while only GO and MaltaPost trended higher.

Meanwhile, another four shares closed the day unchanged including MIA and RS2. Trading volumes improved to €0.31 million compared to €0.23 million last Thursday.

GO plc advanced by 1.7% to recapture the €4.90 level across 7,280 shares. Shareholders as at close of trading on Wednesday will be entitled to the total net dividends of €0.55 per share which will then be paid on May 30, 2019.

In contrast, Bank of Valletta plc dropped by 1.9% to the €1.315 level across 51,818 shares. The bank is due to hold its annual general meeting on May 9.

Within the same sector, HSBC Bank Malta plc eased by 0.6% to the €1.73 level after opening at an over two-month high of €1.75 (+0.6%). A total of 13,952 changed hands.

The other negative performing equity on Tuesday was Tigné Mall plc with a drop of 2.1% back to the €0.94 level on activity totalling 24,600 shares. Shareholders as at close of trading on June 18, 2019 will be entitled to a final net dividend of €0.0131 per share.

A single deal of just 2,710 shares lifted the equity of MaltaPost plc 0.9% higher to the €1.18 level.

Meanwhile, RS2 Software plc held on to the €1.40 level after opening at a low of €1.37 (-2.1%). A total of 24,382 shares traded. On Tuesday, RS2 announced that its board of directors is scheduled to meet on Friday April 26 to consider and approve the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018. The directors will also consider recommending the payment of a dividend for approval at the upcoming AGM scheduled to be held on Tuesday June 18.

Also among the large companies, Malta International Airport plc retained the €6.60 level across 12,265 shares. MIA’s AGM is scheduled to be held on May 15.

PG plc maintained its all-time high of €1.56 on activity totalling 22,400 shares.

Medserv plc closed unchanged at the €1.06 level on low activity of 10,000 shares. The oil and gas services company is due to publish its 2018 financial results on April 30.

On Tuesday morning, International Hotel Investments plc announced that its board of directors is scheduled to meet on Tuesday April 30 to consider and approve the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018. The directors will also consider recommending the payment of a final dividend for approval at the upcoming annual general meeting scheduled to be held on Thursday June 13.

The RF MGS Index opened this shortened week in positive territory as it added 0.01% to 1,111.523 points. Prices of Malta Government Stocks trended mostly higher despite a general uplift in eurozone sovereign yields when compared to last Thursday. Meanwhile, reports emerged on Monday that the Chinese government may withdraw some of its stimulus measures in order to curb excess lending while also tame the country’s buoyant property market. Last week, China reported that its economy grew by a better-than-expected rate of 6.4% in the first quarter of this year when compared to the same period in 2018.

www.rizzofarrugia.com

Stock markets are volatile and subject to fluctuations which cannot be reasonably foreseen. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.

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