The week’s rally came to an abrupt end during yesterday’s trading session at the Malta Stock Exchange when the Index lost 2.8 per cent, falling back below the 2,900 level at 2,825 points. Investors were active in a total of 7 equities with trading activity spread over an aggregate 40 deals.

GlobalCapital traded for the first time since 9 October 2008 as the equity fell by almost 50 per cent to close at the e1.00 level. Noteworthy was however the fact that only a single transaction for a mere 480 shares was transacted in the equity.

On the contrary, Lombard Bank Malta was the sole equity to register a positive movement with the listing rising by 12c to close the session at e2.65. Trading was spread across a total of 4 deals for a market consideration of e8,194.

HSBC Bank Malta was the day’s laggard in the banking sector with the equity shedding 11c or 4.3 per cent to terminate at e2.44. The bulk of the day’s trades were struck at the e2.50 level, however persisting selling pressure in the final minutes of trading pushed the price even lower. The bank was the most liquid and actively traded equity with 15,042 shares exchanged over 18 deals for a market value of e37,577.

Following four sessions on consecutive gains, Bank of Valletta gave up 4c or 1.5 per cent on profit taking activity which saw 8,990 shares changing ownership across 11 trades, to terminate the week at e2.56. At the end of the session, 1,000 shares were best bid at e2.52 whilst supply for 1,500 shares was best offered at e2.57.

FIMBank also ended the day on a negative tune when the equity declined by 1.2 per cent to close at $1.36. Investors for the trade finance specialist struck just 1,450 shares over 3 deals.

Elsewhere in the market, 2,990 shares of International Hotel Investments were struck at the e0.73 level which represents a 3.8 per cent discount to its previous closing price as well as a new yearly low. Malta International Airport, on the other hand, traded unchanged as two investors swapped 550 shares at e2.17.

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]