Large caps drag MSE Index into the red

MSE Daily Trading Report, 08 July 2020

The MSE Equity Total Return Index lost ground as it closed 0.228% lower at 8,186.244 points. Seven equities were active, of which one headed north while another three closed in the opposite direction. A total turnover of €46,492 was generated across 13 transactions.

The only positive performer was HSBC Bank Malta plc as it closed 3.78% higher, reaching the €0.96 price level. This was the result of two deals involving 10,000 shares, worth €9,600.

Meanwhile, a sole deal of 1,000 Bank of Valletta plc shares dragged the price by 2% into the red. The bank generated a slim turnover as price declined to €0.98.

Malta International Airport plc (MIA) announced the mid-year traffic report. Traffic through the airport totalled 1,017,850 passenger movements, translating into a 68.7% drop when compared to the same period last year. The year was off to a strong start, with the months of January and February registering double-digit growth of 14.2% and 17.3%, respectively. However, a diminishing demand for air travel resulting from Covid-19 observed at the beginning of March followed by the coming into effect of a travel ban closer to the end of the month, ushered in a most challenging quarter for MIA. During the second quarter, just over 8,700 passengers arrived in Malta or left the island on one of 311 humanitarian flights operated as commercial air traffic stood still. 3,348 passenger movements of this total were registered in June.

Since announcing its first 17 airport connections for the summer season back in June, MIA has regularly updated its flight schedule to reflect the most recent developments. At present, this schedule offers direct flights to 49 airports in 13 European countries, with more connections expected to be added in the coming days as MIA continues to rebuild its route network.

The equity was the most liquid as total turnover stood at €29,566. A total of 5,218 shares were spread across five transactions, resulting into a negative 1.74% change in price, to close at €5.65.

Telecommunications company, GO plc lost 0.58% over a single deal of 500 shares. The equity closed at €1,700 while price declined to €3.40.

PG plc announced that the board resolved to distribute a net interim dividend of €2,800,000 equivalent to €0.0259259 net (€0.0398860 gross) per ordinary share.  This dividend will be paid on July 20, 2020 to the ordinary shareholders listed on the register as at July 14, 2020.

The equity traded once over 1,870 shares but closed unchanged at €1.97. A total turnover of €3,684 was recorded.

Elsewhere, Malta Properties Company plc and RS2 Software plc were both active but closed unchanged at €0.555 and €2.40, respectively.

In the Corporate Debt market, 13 issues were active, of which two registered gains while another five closed in the red. The 4.5% Hili Properties plc Unsecured € 2025 headed the list of gainers with a 0.94% movement in price, to close at €101.95. On the other hand, the 4.25% Mercury Projects Finance plc Secured € 2031 closed 2.86% lower at €101.01.

In the Sovereign Bond market, out of eight active issues, the 4.5% MGS 2028 (II) closed 0.01% higher at €135.00 while another three traded lower. The 2.3% MGS 2029 (II) registered the largest decline as it closed at €115.22, translating into a 3.98% fall in price.

In the Prospects MTF market, the 5.5% Testa Finance plc € Bonds 2029 was active but closed unchanged at €99.00.

 

The Equities traded today were:

Symbol Code Volume Traded Value Traded Trades Closing Price % Change
BOV 1,000 980.00 1 0.980 -2.00
HSB 10,000 9,600.00 2 0.960 3.78
GO 500 1,700.00 1 3.400 -0.58
MIA 5,218 29,566.35 5 5.650 -1.74
RS2 100 240.00 1 2.400 0.00
MPC 1,300 721.50 2 0.555 0.00
PG 1,870 3,683.90 1 1.970 0.00

The Corporate Bonds traded today were:

Closing Price % Change
5.8% International Hotel Investments plc 2021 98.000 -2.49
3.65% GAP Group plc Secured € 2022 100.400 0.00
5.1% 1923 Investments plc Unsecured € 2024 99.980 0.00
5.75% International Hotel Investments plc Unsecured € 2025 102.010 0.00
5.1% 6PM Holdings plc Unsecured € 2025 99.600 0.00
4.5% Hili Properties plc Unsecured € 2025 101.950 0.94
4.25% Corinthia Finance plc Unsecured € 2026 99.000 0.00
3.75% Premier Capital plc Unsecured € 2026 101.400 0.40
4.35% SD Finance plc Unsecured € 2027 100.000 -0.01
4.5% Grand Harbour Marina plc Unsecured € 2027 100.020 -0.48
4.15% Phoenicia Finance Company plc Unsecured € 2023-2028 98.990 0.00
3.65% Stivala Group Finance plc Secured € 2029 101.500 -0.49
4.25% Mercury Projects Finance plc Secured € 2031 101.010 -2.86

The Government Stocks traded today were:

Closing Price % Change
5% MGS 2021(I) 105.330 -0.01
4.8% MGS 2028 (I) 135.500 0.00
4.5% MGS 2028 (II) 135.000 0.01
2.3% MGS 2029 (II) 115.220 -3.98
2.5% MGS 2036 (I) 119.170 -1.72
2.1% MGS 2039 (I) 126.000 0.00
3% MGS 2040 (I) 136.000 0.00
2.4% MGS 2041 (I) 130.000 0.00

The Prospect Bonds traded today were:

  Closing Price % Change
5.5% Testa Finance plc € Bonds 2029 99.00 0.00

This article, which was compiled by Jesmond Mizzi Financial Advisors Limited, does not intend to give investment advice and the contents therein should not be construed as such. Jesmond Mizzi Financial Advisors Limited is licensed to conduct investment services by the MFSA and is a Member Firm of the Malta Stock Exchange. 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 contact Jesmond Mizzi Financial Advisors Limited at 67, Level 3, South Street, Valletta, or on Tel: 21224410, or email [email protected].