Greek blue chips staged a strong rebound after three days of decline yesterday, sending the Athens Exchange (ATHEX) benchmark index 1.9 percent higher to 4,349.01 points.

The FTSE/ATHEX 20 index of the country’s biggest companies increased 1.8 percent to 2,289.51. Viohalco surged 7.5 percent, Public Power Corporation climbed 6.1 percent, Intralot advanced 5.3 percent, Marfin Popular Bank added 4.8 percent and Marfin Investment Group ended 4.4 percent higher.

Athens Water Supply and Sewage Company (EYDAP) climbed for the first time in four days, adding 2.8 percent. NBG/P&K Securities upgraded Greece’s biggest water utility to “equalweight” from “underweight.”

Hellenic Technodomiki rose for the first time in seven days, gaining 1 percent. Greece’s biggest builder said it won an –88.4 million contract to build a football stadium in Athens.

Gaming monopoly OPAP advanced 3 percent, the steepest increase since February 4. Greece’s biggest gaming company chose AT Kearney as an adviser to make recommendations on an overhaul of its activities.

Turnover totaled –338.3 million, of which –21.7 million was in block trades.

The Cypriot General Index added 2.6 percent to 3,900.81 points. (Kathimerini, Bloomberg)