MSE Index up despite international uncertainty

September 26, 2008

MSE Trading Report weekly round-up for the week ending 26th September 2008

The Malta Stock Exchange Index closed at 3,832.285 points, gaining 0.97 per cent on the week, after last week’s loss of 4.88 per cent. This week, fourteen equities were negotiated, with five equities closing in positive territory, seven equities closing in negative territory and two equities remaining stable. During the week, MaltaPost plc was the best performer, whilst GlobalCapital plc lost most ground.

A total of two hundred and forty two trades were registered on the stock exchange, with a total turnover of over EUR 14.48 million, including a put-through trade of EUR 7,105. In the equity market, one hundred twenty five deals were executed for a total value of EUR 535,903. In the corporate bond market, forty six deals were carried out, for a value of EUR 413,973, whilst fifty two deals were executed in government bonds for a total value of over EUR 8.16 million. In the Treasury Bills market, eighteen deals were executed for a total value of over EUR 5.36 million.

In the banking sector, Bank of Valletta plc was the best performer. BOV registered an increase of 3.09 per cent on the week, closing the week at EUR 4.31, an increase of EUR 0.129, with 43,803 shares changing hands over fifty four deals. BOV traded at a high of EUR 4.321 and a low of EUR 4.25. On the other hand, Lombard Bank plc lost last week’s gains, as it registered a loss of EUR 0.011 on the week. The closing price for the week was EUR 3.049, decreasing by 0.36 per cent on the week, with 9,000 shares being traded over five deals. HSBC Bank Malta plc registered a rise of 1.87 per cent in its share price, therefore recovering some of last week’s losses, closing the week at EUR 3.26, a rise of EUR 0.06, as 14,518 shares changed hands on thirteen deals. FIMBank plc was the other banking equity to register a decrease in its share price, as it closed the week at USD 1.898, losing 0.32 per cent or USD 0.006, with a volume of 104,400 shares changing hands over two deals, for a total value of EUR 134,728.

Crimsonwing plc maintained its share price of EUR 0.50 through the whole week, as 6,749 shares were traded over four deals. Likewise, Middlesea Insurance plc also maintained last week’s share price. The closing price was EUR 2.95, with 1,000 shares changing hands on just one deal.

MaltaPost plc registered a rise of 3.8 per cent on the week. The closing price was EUR 0.82, rising by EUR 0.03 on the week, with a total of 18,872 shares changing hands on nine deals. International Hotel Investments plc recovered EUR 0.025 from last week’s losses, closing the week at EUR 1.04, thus increasing by 2.46 per cent from last week, as 47,532 shares changed hands on eight deals. Grand Harbour Marina plc (GHM plc) was the other equity to register a rise in its share price, as it closed the week at EUR 2.15, a rise of EUR 0.05, or 2.38 per cent, from last week, and therefore recovering last week’s losses. GHM traded 1,500 shares over two deals.

GlobalCapital plc registered a loss of 9.98 per cent on the week. The closing price for the week was EUR 2.20, thus decreasing by EUR 0.244 on the week, as only 1,000 shares changed hands over two deals. Simonds Farsons Cisk plc registered a loss of 7 per cent on the week, after closing the week at EUR 2.632, decreasing by EUR 0.198 from last week, with 5,000 shares changing hands on six deals. On Wednesday afternoon, Simonds Farsons Cisk plc announced that the Board of Directors is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 30th September, 2008, in order to consider and approve, the Company’s Financial Statements for the six month period ending on 31st July 2008. The Board of Directors will also consider the distribution of an interim dividend on all Ordinary Shares held by shareholders on the Register as on 10th October 2008.

GO plc lost last week’s gains, as it experienced a loss in its share price, closing the week at EUR 2.201, a fall of EUR 0.109 on the week, or 4.72 per cent, with 13,637 shares changing hands on fourteen deals. RS2 Software plc traded once during the week, registering a loss of EUR 0.008 in its share price. The closing price for the week was EUR 0.821, losing 0.97 per cent on the week, as 9,300 shares changed hands. Malta International Airport plc was the other equity to register a loss in its share price. The equity closed the week at EUR 2.999, EUR 0.001, or 0.03 per cent, lower than last week, having traded 3,850 shares over four deals.

This article which was complied by Jesmond Mizzi Financial Services Limited (JMFS) does not intend to give investment advice and the contents therein should not be construed as such. JMFS is licensed to conduct investment services by the MFSA. The directors or related parties, including the company, and their clients are likely to have an interest in securities mentioned in this article. For further information please contact JMFS at 67/3, South Street, Valletta or on Tel: 21224410 or email [email protected].