The CNMV Extends the Restrictions on Short Selling Listed Company Shares for another Month

The fallout from the coronavirus continues. The extension of the ban will take effect from 18 April until 18 May, and may be extended further.

The prohibition on carrying out operations that involve the creation or increase of net short positions of listed companies’ shares has been extended for one more month.

The decision was made due to “the persistence of the risks and uncertainties surrounding the evolution of the economy and the market in the context of the situation created by Covid-19, as well as the high level of volatility and the risks that could arise from disordered price movements”, explains the National Securities Market Commission (CNMV).

Non-Ibex Property Developers Also Shine: Quabit, Insur & Montebalito

5 January 2018 – El Confidencial

The real estate sector is starting to show green shoots and that is being reflected in the Spanish stock exchange. In 2017 alone, 19 companies made their debuts on the Alternative Investment Market, taking the total number to 47. Beyond the five large Socimis (Merlin, Colonial, Hispania, Axiare and Lar), there are alternative real estate companies that have experienced positive growth and that represent good investment options.

Quabit Inmobiliaria could summarise its 2017 in two ideas: financial support from large firms and capital increases. And, at the end of December, the company closed a capital increase amounting to €29 million, most of which (77%) was subscribed by Cobas Asset Management (Francisco Paramés’ management firm) and Kairos Investment. In total, it saw its share price rise by 16% during 2017 and experts believe that its share price will reach €2.40.

“In addition to the push that it has been given by the fact that large funds are including its stock within their portfolios, the listed company owns a significant number of properties as it heads into 2018. Moreover, its debt has decreased, and so it can afford to invest more. In addition, another positive factor is the performance of house prices, above all in Barcelona and Madrid, where it has its greatest presence”, explains an analyst at XTB Manuel Pinto.

Another real estate firm to watch is Montebalito, which saw its share price rise by 43% in 2017. “In general, we expected more from this stock. Nevertheless, it managed to close the year with a gain, thanks to the sale of a property in Berlin for €10 million, a deal that allowed it to clean up its balance sheet”, said Pinto.

Nevertheless, its performance could have been greater if it had not been for the depreciation of the currencies in Brazil, the Dominican Republic and Colombia, countries where the listed firm owns a significant number of assets.

All of this data is being supported by the boom in the real estate sector, which has managed to increase in value by more than 360% since 2012, according to the latest report from ‘Bolsas y Mercados Españoles’ (BME). “All of Spain’s real estate companies are very healthy, mortgages are rising, the sector is cyclical…In general, all indicators are still positive for these companies to continue growing during 2018”, says an analyst at Orey iTrade Roberto Berzal.

Moreover, Inmobiliaria del Sur has also joined the party, given that it managed to increase its share price by 35% (in 2017). “This company is improving its turnover and income, above all in the construction sector. Nevertheless, results from the last quarter mean that we are being cautious with the stock and waiting for its performance over the medium term”.

Original story: El Confidencial (by C. Alba)

Translation: Carmel Drake