The MSE Equity Total Return Index (MSE) registered a further 3.2% increase, as investors’ sentiment improved possibly on the back of the relaxation of some Covid measures.
Most large caps gained, as International Hotel Investments plc (IHI) jumped by 33%. On the other hand, technology companies declined. The local equities index finished the week at 8,042.663 points. Following the gains in the past two trading weeks, the MSE Index has recovered some lost ground since the beginning of the year and is now down by 5 per cent.
A total of 19 equities were active, nine of which traded higher while another six closed in the red. During this four-day trading week, total turnover was €0.7 million.
The MSE Equity Total Return Index managed to finish the week 0.8% higher at 7,792.985 points, despite a decline in the share price of Bank of Valletta plc (BOV).
A total of 12 equities were active, seven of which registered gains while one lost ground.
During this three-day trading week, total turnover was 36% higher than the previous week’s figure, as it stood at €0.64 million.
BOV’s board approved the audited financial statements for the financial year ended December 31, 2020. It resolved that these audited financial statements be submitted for the approval of the shareholders at the forthcoming AGM on May 20.
The bank reported profit before tax of €15.2 million, versus the previous year’s figure of €89.2 million. However, when adjusted for several specific items, it would increase to €100.7 million – a reduction of €37.4 million or 27% when compared to the previous year.
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The MSE Equity Total Return Index lost ground, as it declined by 0.5% to 7,844.819 points. Total weekly turnover was up by circa €1 million when compared t
The MSE Equity Price Index fell for the first time in three sessions as it eased by 0.20% to 3,841.895 points. The declines in BOV, HSBC, MIDI and MPC outweighed the gains in GO and GHM whilst BMIT, RS2, PG and MIA closed unchanged. Meanwhile, training activity amounted to €0.27 million
In the retail banking sector, Bank of Valletta plc lost 1.1% to the €0.91 level across 5,320 shares whilst HSBC Bank Malta plc fell by 0.6% to the €0.84 level as 25,366 shares changed hands. HSBC shareholders as at close of trading on Thursday 18 March 2021 will be entitled to the recently recommended final net dividend of €0.00754 per share.