The share index kicked-off the week in the red as it slipped 0.17 per cent lower to 4,461.614 points, largely on the continued decline in HSBC.

On the other hand, RS2 and MIA continued to trend higher and closed at fresh all-time highs. The total value of trades across the equity market amounted to €0.45 million today.

The equity of HSBC shed another 1.8 per cent to the €1.60 level across high volumes totalling 117,718 shares. The equity is at its lowest since late July 2004. The bank is scheduled to publish its 2015 financial statements next Monday.

Also in the banking sector, Bank of Valletta closed minimally lower at the €2.21,4 level across 69,791 shares.

Meanwhile, BOV’s associate company, Mapfre Middlesea, retained the €2.45 level across 9,688 shares. The company will be announcing its 2015 full-year financial results on March 2.

The worst performing equity of today’s trading session was Medserv. The oil and gas services specialist declined by 2.2 per cent to the €1.53 level – the lowest since end of August 2015 – across 10,000 shares.

Last Thursday, the company announced that its subsidiary, Medserv (Cyprus) Ltd, was not successful in getting the necessary approval to extend the operating licence granted to it to operate out of Larnaca Port.

The company’s current licence expires in August 2016. In the meantime, Medserv (Cyprus) will be transferring its operations to Limassol Port while further discussions with interested parties will be held to ensure that this development does not hinder Medserv, its clients and the Cypriot economy.

Positive sentiment towards RS2 Software and Malta International Airport persisted as both companies closed at new record levels. Indeed, RS2 gained 0.7 per cent to the €3.36,5 level across 9,286 shares.

Likewise, Malta International Airport advanced by 0.4 per cent to the €4.72 level albeit on thin volumes totalling 1,425 shares. The airport operator is scheduled to publish its full-year results on February 24. The directors will also consider the recommendation of a final dividend.

GO moved 0.5 per cent higher to the €3.26,5 level – the highest since early November 2015 – across 9,075 shares. Last Thursday, GO revealed improved results for its 2015 financial year as operating profits increased by 27.9 per cent to €27.8 million whilst profits before tax (after accounting for certain one-off items) amounted to €34.2 million.

The board of directors will be recommending the payment of a final net dividend of 10c per share (2014: 7c per share) to all shareholders as at the close of trading on April 7.

This dividend will be paid on May 13 subject to shareholders’ approval at the upcoming annual general meeting scheduled to be held on May 11. Moreover, last Friday, the company announced that it received a number of non-binding bids from parties interested in acquiring the company’s entire issued share capital.

Malta Properties Company gained 1.6 per cent to the 56c9 level on low volumes.

On the bond market, the RF MGS Index moved marginally higher to 1,135.230 points (+0.08 per cent) as eurozone bond markets reflected the general positive sentiment in stock markets.

Indeed, while the 10-year benchmark German Bund yield advanced from the 0.22 per cent level of last Friday to 0.29 per cent today, the corresponding Italian and Spanish sovereign bond yields dropped.

Last Friday, the Treasury announced the issue of two new Malta Government Stocks for a total aggregate amount of €120 million subject to an over-allotment option of up to a further €80 million.

The new issues are the 1.5 per cent MGS 2022 (IV) and the 2.5 per cent MGS 2036 (I). The fixed offer prices will be determined on Thursday in the afternoon while subscriptions for the public will open next Monday and close on February 24 (or earlier).

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