Stocks index rises despite amendment
The Greek bourse’s benchmark index tested the waters around 1,030 points on Wednesday before returning to the 1,020-point level in what was the third consecutive session of gains for many stocks.
The Athens Exchange (ATHEX) general index closed at 1,020.04 points, adding 0.39 percent to Tuesday’s 1,016.11 points. The large-cap FTSE/ATHEX 25 expanded 0.35 percent to end at 345.91 points, though the small-cap index lost 0.98 percent.
The government tabled an amendment in Parliament on Wednesday that could stop blue chip Viohalco’s absorption by its Belgian subsidiary, thereby keeping the steel and aluminum company’s base in Greece. This led to Viohalco’s share giving up 2.27 percent at the close, the worst off among all large-caps, while Alpha Bank contracted by 1.55 percent.
Leading the way was Marfin Investment Group, with a rise of 3.39 percent, followed by OPAP, which added 2.96 percent, and Frigoglass, which advanced by 2.61 percent.
In total 72 stocks posted gains, 53 reported losses and 24 remained unchanged.
Turnover amounted to 64.2 million euros, up from Tuesday’s 58.4 million.
