Investors hold collective breath over bank merger
The possible merger of Emporiki Bank with National, Alpha or Eurobank EFG resulted in increased interest in banking sector stocks on Monday. This led to gains for the Greek bourse?s main index and a relative increase in turnover.
The Athens Exchange (ATHEX) general index ended at 646.08 points, adding 0.32 percent to last Friday?s closing figure of 644.04 points. The blue chip FTSE/ATHEX 20 index expanded by just 0.09 percent to end at 233.69 points.
National added 2.88 percent, while Alpha shed 3.47 percent.
Turnover amounted to 30.6 million euros, with half of it concerning just National and Alpha.
In total, 53 stocks posted gains, 56 registered losses and 17 remained unchanged.
