The Malta Stock Exchange Index fell by just over 9 points on Tuesday as investors made an about face and sold shares of banking stocks after Monday’s gain in shares of the financial sector. The index closed at the 3,304.660 level, a 0.3% loss over the previous session’s close.

Bank of Valletta plc, after gaining 4c on Monday, shed all but 0c5 of those gains and dropped 3c5, or 1.2%, to close at €2.805 in twelve deals for a total of 10,480 shares.

HSBC Bank Malta plc shares were also lower yesterday, shedding 1c, or 0.3%, to finish at €2.940 on modest volume of 10,700 shares across nine trades.

Finishing on the upside were the shares of Middlesea Insurance plc, which added 1c3, or 1.3 per cent, and closed at €1.003 in four deals for a total of 5,846 shares. Middlesea’s shares have been trading aggressively higher in recent sessions. On Monday, the shares of the local insurance provider gained 3c, or 3.2 per cent in four trades for a total of 4,985 shares.

Malta International Airport plc stock was also higher yesterday, adding 3c, or 1.8%, to end the day at €1.680 in three deals for a total 8,900 shares.

Also trading on Tuesday, yet finishing unchanged were the shares of GO plc, and RS2 Software plc, which closed out the session at €1.290 and €0.500, respectively, on volume of 5,400 shares and 10,000 shares, respectively.

Trading in the corporate bond market remained quiet as just eleven trades took place across four issues. The sole mover on the day was the 5.35% Bank of Valletta plc Sub € 2019 bond, which closed marginally lower, shedding €0.15, or 0.2 per cent, to end at €102.000 in just two deals for a total of €11,600 nominal.

The government bond market, meanwhile, finished in positive territory as all eight of the issues to trade in the session closed higher, albeit mostly marginally. Volume was moderate as €1,327,231 nominal across 19 deals changed hands.

This article has been prepared by Bank of Valletta p.l.c. (the Bank) for your general information only and is not intended to address your particular requirements. This information is not a solicitation or offer by the Bank to acquire or sell securities. Nor does it constitute any form of advice or recommendation by the Bank. Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decision. The price of investments can go down as well as up, and investors may not get back the amount they invested. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance. Bank of Valletta p.lc. 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]