FTSE maintains ATHEX status
The London-based FTSE index company on Tuesday decided to keep the Athens Stock Exchange (ATHEX) in the developed market status category, after considering a possible downgrade to advanced emerging market status.
In 2001, when the ATHEX was upgraded to its present status, foreign investors accounted for 21.6 percent of its total capitalization. This now stands at 50.2 percent.
According to ATHEX officials, a possible downgrade would have been solely due to the country?s economic situation and not due to any failure on the part of the bourse to maintain FTSE criteria.
During a recent roadshow in London, ATHEX officials said that the FTSE would keep it where investors want it.