Movements in equity and bond indices
The MSE Equity Total Return Index (MSE) closed the four-day trading week higher for the second consecutive week, as gains in International Hotel Investments plc (IHI), Malta International Airport plc (MIA) and Midi plc outweighed losses in other equities. Since the beginning of the year the MSE is up by 12%, as most large caps have so far traded in positive territory. Total weekly turnover jumped to €1.7m across 21 equities.
The MSE Corporate Bonds Total Return Index lost 0.4% to close at 1,156.089 points. A total of 77 issues were active, as 27 bonds declined and another 24 gained. Turnover reached €2.5m, as the 3.75% Premier Capital plc Unsecured 2026 was the most active bond issue. In terms of movers, the 4.75% Dino Fino Finance plc Secured € 2033 gained 4.1% while the 4.25% Mercury Projects Finance plc Secured € 2031 lost 3.3%.
In the sovereign debt market, the MSE MGS Total Return Index declined by 0.4% closing at 960.234 points, as inflationary fears sent prices lower and bond yields higher. A total of 24 issues were active, as 11 gained while another 11 moved lower. Over €3m were traded across 163 transactions.
Top 10 market movements
IHI closed higher for the third consecutive week, as the equity finished up by 9.7% at €0.52. The equity traded between a weekly high of €0.55 and a low of €0.47, as 18 transactions worth €51,839 were executed.
Meanwhile, Midi plc shares jumped 18.2% or €0.04 on the back of the agreement for the partial rescission of the emphyteutical deed over Manoel Island and Fort Tigné. Three deals were recorded, as the equity’s price fluctuated between €0.242 and €0.26, this week’s closing price.
In the financials sector, Bank of Valletta plc (BOV) declined by 1%, as the equity fluctuated within tight ranges. BOV shares closed at €2.10 to recover from a weekly low of €2.09. Nearly €0.3m were traded across 29 transactions. Since the start of the year, BOV shares are up by 11%.
HSBC Bank Malta plc shares declined by 0.7% to end the week at €1.43. This was the equity’s second negative week during the last four trading weeks. Four trades worth €23,101 were executed. The banking equity is marginally up since the beginning of the year.
APS Bank plc closed flat at €0.50, as the banking equity fluctuated between a weekly low of €0.486 and a high of €0.52. Turnover reached €123,079 across 15 transactions of 246,459 shares.
Mapfre Middlesea plc gained 2% to close at €1.58. The equity was active during yesterday’s session across two transactions, as the first deal was executed at €1.39 while the second transaction, during the final half hour, lifted the share price to its closing level.
Malta International Airport plc closed the week at €6.25, a level last reached back in February last year. Turnover increased to €0.8m, as 19 deals were executed. Since the beginning of the year the equity is up by 8.7%.
Malita Investments plc gained 2.7% to close at €0.38. Five trades of 33,830 shares were executed.
In the IT Sector Harvest Technology plc lost 5% to close at €0.95. Two thin trades worth a mere €3,245 were recorded.
RS2 plc returned to the €0.314 price level, as the equity’s price shed 1.9%. Trading volume reached 52,425 shares across eight transactions.
Company announcements
In terms of new issues, the Accountant General announced that it is offering an aggregate nominal amount of €300m in any combination of two new bonds, subject to an over-allotment option of up to €200m in the event of over-subscription. The new bonds will be the 3.8% MGS 2036 and the 4.1% MGS 2041. The fixed price for each of the two bonds shall be established and published on April 16 after the secondary market closes.
The Board of IHI announced that it is due to meet on April 24 to consider and if deemed fit, approve, the company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the financial year ended December 31, 2025 and to consider the declaration of an interim dividend. The company’s AGM will be held on June 9.
Computime Holdings plc announced that the Board is scheduled to meet on April 15 to consider the company’s audited financial statements for the financial year ended December 31, 2025 together with the recommendation of a final dividend.
Meanwhile, the Board of Harvest Technology plc is scheduled to meet on April 13 to consider the company’s audited financial statements for the financial year ended December 31, 2025 and the recommendation of a final dividend.
The Board of Plaza Centres plc is scheduled to meet on April 27 while the Board of VBL plc is scheduled to meet on April 29 in order to consider and approve the companies’ respective audited financial statements for the financial year ended December 31, 2025.
RS2 plc announced that the company’s AGMs will be held on June 9, 2026.
This article, compiled by Jesmond Mizzi Financial Advisors Limited, does not intend to give investment advice and the contents therein should not be construed as such.
The company is licensed to conduct investment services by the MFSA and is a member of the Malta Stock Exchange and the Atlas Group. The directors or related parties, including the company, and their clients are likely to have an interest in securities mentioned in this article.
For further information contact Jesmond Mizzi Financial Advisors Limited at 67, Level 3, South Street, Valletta, tel: 2122 4410, or e-mail [email protected].
