Trading for yesterday's session at the Malta Stock Exchange resulted in a decline to the Index of 1.31 per cent to terminate at the 2,657 level. Activity in the equity market bounced back from Thursday's session and was spread over 48 deals, with six listings active for the day. Banks were the major losers for the session, shedding in price to drag the Index further.

Bank of Valletta was the day's most liquid and actively traded component, with 27,117 shares struck over 22 deals for a market consideration of e56,870. Despite trading at an intra-day high of e2.15, selling pressure continued to push the price lower as it plunged by nine cents, or 4.15 per cent to close at e2.08.

Lombard Bank Malta was the session's worst performer as the equity depreciated by 10c or almost four per cent to terminate at e2.43. Investors in the financial services company exchanged a single deal on low volume of 400 shares.

Similarly, HSBC Bank Malta was also on the losing side for the day as it shed five cents, or 2.35 per cent, to end the session at e2.08. Trading activity for the Bank was spread over 16 deals and a market value of e29,353.

GO continued its recent upturn as the equity closed four cents higher at e1.50. The quadruple play telecommunications' company exchanged 12,000 shares over 5 deals and a monetary value of e17,960.

Likewise, MaltaPost was also a gainer for the session as the equity rose by eight tenths of a cent to close at e0.73. Activity for the postal operator resulted on the transaction of 1,500 shares swapped between two investors.

FIMBank Malta was also active for the day when the equity traded 3 deals for a market value of $2,083. The trade finance specialist was the sole non-mover during the session as the equity closed unchanged at $1.39.

In the fixed interest sector of the market, activity was spread over six government stocks and six corporate bonds. The highest turnover in the corporate debt issues was registered in the 6.15% BOV 2010 when 205,825 nominal were exchanged over five deals at e101.50. In the government securities, the 6.45% MGS 2014(II) was the sole gainer as it rose by 17 ticks over two deals.

This article was compiled by Bank of Valletta plc which is licensed to

conduct investment services business by the MFSA. Bonds and shares may be

purchased and sold from any BOV branch. Further details may be obtained by contacting us on tel.: 2131-2020 or email: [email protected]