Banks rise but index declines for sixth day
The growth of bank stocks in the wake of Greece’s successful return to the bond markets failed to prevent the benchmark from heading south for the sixth session in succession on Thursday. However, the increased turnover pointed to additional interest in the local market.
The Athens Exchange (ATHEX) general index closed at 1,283.96 points, a 30-session low, shedding 0.74 percent from Wednesday’s 1,293.54 points. The large-cap FTSE/ATHEX 25 contracted 0.59 percent to 414.76 points, although small-caps continued on their autonomous course, expanding 0.72 percent.
The banks index grew by 1.32 percent, with Alpha adding 1.81 percent, National rising by 1.78 percent and Piraeus climbing 0.54 percent. Public Power Corporation (down 5 percent) and Metka (4.97 percent) led the losing blue chips, while GEK Terna fell 3.13 percent.
In total, 47 stocks recorded gains, 78 sustained losses and 27 remained unchanged.
Turnover amounted to 188.5 million euros, up from Wednesday’s 146.8 million.
