Mixed day on bourse after early losses
Most local stocks ended up in the green on Wednesday thanks to gains recorded by the majority of small-caps, but the general index was a virtual non-mover due to losses sustained by some of the biggest blue chips, which have a major bearing on the benchmark.
The Athens Exchange (ATHEX) general index closed at 1,359.81 points, contracting 0.04 percent from Tuesday’s 34-month high of 1,360.37 points. The large-cap FTSE/ATHEX 25 declined 0.37 percent to 436.39 points, while the small-cap index expanded by 0.79 percent.
The day started with losses for the bulk of chips on the board, but after initial profit-taking following Tuesday’s major gains, the periphery attracted investors’ buying interest and turnover remained above 100 million euros, offering fresh proof that the ATHEX remains on an upward trajectory.
Marfin Investment Group outperformed with a 4.49 percent rise, pipping Intralot (up 4.22 percent) and Alpha Bank (up 3.51 percent) to the post. National Bank followed up Tuesday’s 8.74 percent gains with a 3.27 percent decline, while Jumbo slumped 3.54 percent and PPC fell 3.02 percent.
In total, 89 stocks reported gains, 58 suffered losses and 19 remained unchanged.
Turnover amounted to 113 million euros, up from Tuesday’s 109 million.
