The Athens Exchange fell 1.71 percent yesterday, in step with sliding European peers, but held onto the 3,000-point support level.

The benchmark general index ended at 3,017.89 points, ending nearly 6 percent off for the week, after dipping to an intra-session low of 2,994 points.

The Athens bourse’s trading hours will be extended as of Monday by 30 minutes in a move to closer align the market with New York. Trading will end at 5 p.m. rather than 4.30 p.m. as it is the case currently.

The blue chip FTSE/ATHEX 20 index yesterday lost 1.97 percent, with Public Power Corporation (down 3.72 percent) and Bank of Cyprus (6.40 percent) ranking among the big losers.

Turnover reached 221.4 million euros versus 244 million euros in the previous session.