The Malta Stock Exchange Index added almost nine points, or 0.3 per cent on Friday, to end the week at 3,326.451. Trading was robust as 135,311 shares traded across 35 deals.

Closing out the week in strong fashion was the equity of Middlesea Insurance plc, which gained 1c, or1.0 per cent, to close at €1.040 yesterday in a single deal of 1,000 shares.

HSBC Bank Malta plc shares were also up on the day, adding 2c, or 0.7 per cent, to end the session at €2.960 in three deals for a total of 16,200 shares. At the close of trading the bank released its interim annual statement for the period 1 January to 13 May 2011. The bank stated that, during this period, revenue and profit were in line with expectations while it witnessed a slight softening in loan demand due to slowing economic conditions and increasing competition in its target markets.

Also closing higher yesterday were the shares of GO plc, which climbed 1c, or 0.8 per cent, to close at €1.350 in ten deals for a total of 10,550 shares. MaltaPost plc, meanwhile, plc led the shares closing lower, dropping 1c, or 0.9 per cent, to end the week at €1.070 in just two trades for a total of 500 shares.

Grand Harbour Marina plc was also lower, shedding 1c3, or 0.7 per cent, to close the day at €1.967 in a single deal of 110 shares.

Bank of Valletta plc shares closed unchanged, ending at €2.820 in nine deals for a total of 16,449 shares.

Malta International Airport plc also ended unchanged, closing at €1.680 in six deals for a total of 20,502 shares.

Rounding out trading was the equity of International Hotel Investments plc, which closed unchanged at €0.700 in a total of three deals for a total of 70,000 shares.

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]