The MSE Equity Price Index dropped by 0.1% to 3,927.8 points as declines in MIDI and BOV outweighed gains in APS and Mapfre. Meanwhile, another seven equities closed unchanged as today’s trading activity on the main market amounted to just under €0.8 million.
Today’s most actively traded equity, Malta International Airport plc closed unchanged at the €6.00 level across seven deals totalling 102,461 shares, although most shares changed hands at the €5.95 level (-0.8%). Activity in MIA accounted for over 75% of today’s total value traded in equities. MIA shareholders as at the close of trading on Thursday 16 April 2026 will be entitled to a final net dividend per share of €0.13, subject to approval at the upcoming Annual General Meeting scheduled for Wednesday 20 May 2026.
Hili Properties plc traded flat at the €0.27 level across six trades amounting to 59,900 shares.
Trident Estates plc remained unchanged at the €1.01 level as 6,000 shares changed hands, although most trades took place at the €0.98 level (-2.7%).
Quinco Holdings plc stayed at the €0.90 level as 4,000 shares changed hands across two deals.
GO plc (€2.52), HSBC Bank Malta plc (€1.46) and Lombard Bank plc (€0.70) all remained unchanged over lacklustre trading. HSBC Malta shareholders as at close of trading on 26 March 2026 will be entitled to a final net dividend of €0.0546 per share, subject to approval by the Annual General Meeting scheduled for 29 April 2026.
Bank of Valletta plc shed 0.9% to the €2.10 level across 19 trades amounting to 72,518 shares. BOV will publish its 2025 annual results on Thursday 26 March 2026. The Directors will also consider the declaration of a dividend.
MIDI plc dropped by 3.7% to the €0.18 level as 25,000 shares changed hands across three trades.
In contrast, Mapfre Middlesea plc climbed 4.5% higher to the €1.39 level over a single deal of 1,069 shares.
APS Bank plc gained 1% to the €0.515 level, albeit over trivial volumes.
The RF MGS Index declined by 0.3% to 903.04 points amid rising inflation concerns linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, particularly the impact of energy costs. WTI crude oil futures surged more than 8% to USD88 per barrel as Qatar’s Energy Minister said that Gulf exporters would halt production within days if tankers are unable to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. In the US, the labour market showed signs of weakness, with the economy unexpectedly losing 92,000 jobs in February, compared to expectations of a 59,000 gain and January’s 126,000 increase. Consequently, the unemployment rate rose to 4.4%.
Elsewhere, China has lowered its 2026 economic growth target to between 4.5% and 5.0%, the slowest pace since 1991. The reduction reflects rising uncertainties from US trade tariffs, the US-Iran conflict, and persistent domestic weaknesses including the prolonged property market struggles and high unemployment. China’s new five-year economic plan prioritizes increased investment in AI and higher government spending to strengthen growth.
This report contains only public information and is not to be construed as investment advice or an offer to buy or sell securities. Information contained herein is based on data obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but no representations or guarantees are made with regard to the accuracy of the data. Stock markets are volatile and subject to fluctuations which cannot be reasonably foreseen. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. Rizzo, Farrugia & Co. (Stockbrokers) Limited is a company licensed to undertake investment services in Malta by the MFSA under the Investment Services Act, Cap. 370 of the Laws of Malta and a member of the Malta Stock Exchange.
