The MSE Equity Price Index rose by 0.54% to 3,781.335 points as the gains APS, BOV and Mapfre Middlesea outweighed the decline in MIA. Meanwhile, HSBC Bank Malta plc traded flat at the €1.41 level as 1,286 shares changed hands. Today’s trading activity was muted at a three-month low of under €50,000.
Bank of Valletta plc rose by 1.6% to the €1.94 level over five deals amounting to 6,963 shares.
BOV’s insurance associate, Mapfre Middlesea plc surged by 5.2% to the €1.42 level on a single deal of 3,500 shares.
Also in the financial sector, APS Bank plc gained 2.9% to the €0.494 level over seven trades amounting to 35,760 shares.
On the other hand, Malta International Airport plc fell by 1.7% to the €5.80 level over three deals totalling 1,500 shares.
The RF MGS Index declined by 0.10% to a near nine-month low of 902.505 points as euro area sovereign bond yields resumed their upward trajectory. In fact, the 10-year German bund yield reached a 2-month high of 2.77%. Euro area retail sales increased by 1.5% in October when compared to the same period last year, above expectations. The stronger sales in food, drinks and tobacco, and automotive fuel outweighed weaker non-food purchases. Nonetheless, during a speech yesterday, ECB President Christine Lagarde stated that core inflation indicators show that inflation is set to remain close to the ECB’s target rate of 2% in the coming months. Elsewhere in the US, concerns over the labour market persisted following news that employers announced around 71,000 job cuts in November, 24% higher than in November 2024.
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.