Index up as turnover increases

The MSE Equity Total Return Index managed to recover some lost ground, as it closed 0.3% higher at 7,765.937 points.

A total of 25 equities were active, 11 of which registered gains while another seven closed in the red. On the week total weekly turnover almost tripled, as €0.8m was traded across 121 transactions.

During the week, all banking equities were active and ended in the green.

Bank of Valletta plc shares advanced by 1.7%, as 22 trades worth €72,245 were recorded.

The bank’s equity traded between a weekly-low of €0.860 and a high of €0.90, but closed at €0.885.

The share price of APS Bank plc gained 0.8%, to close at €0.655. Trading activity saw the exchange of 23,026 shares, spread over six trades.

Similarly, HSBC Bank Malta plc (HSBC) closed 0.7% higher, at €0.765. The bank’s shares were involved in eight trades across 22,548 shares.

Since the beginning of the year, HSBC shares have suffered a drop of 16.9% in value.

FIMBank plc and Lombard Bank Malta plc (LOM) rose 5.3% and 1.1%, respectively.

FIMBank plc shares traded once during yesterday’s trading session, to close the week at $0.20. Total trading turnover was a mere $200. Furthermore, €3,840 worth of LOM shares...