ATHEX: Coeure statement sends stocks higher
April at the Greek bourse went out with a bang, as Thursday’s session appeared quiet for the most part before buyers rushed in during the last 40 minutes to send the benchmark more than 3 percent higher, on a statement by ECB council member Benoit Coeure that if Greece and its creditors edge closer to a deal, Frankfurt could allow the country’s banks to acquire more Greek treasury bills.
The Athens Exchange (ATHEX) general index closed at 822.88 points, adding 3.12 percent to Wednesday’s 797.99 points. On a weekly basis it added 8.05 percent while it has added 6.12 percent since end-March. The large-cap FTSE/ATHEX 25 index expanded 2.78 percent to close at 245.27 points.
Ellaktor was the protagonist among blue chips with a 9.89 percent rise, followed by Folli Follie (up 9.84 percent), Eurobank (9.76 percent), Public Power Corporation (9.71 percent) and Piraeus Bank (9.70 percent). Viohalco lost 10.54 percent and Coca-Cola HBC declined 2.04 percent.
In total 89 stocks showed gains, 27 took losses and 13 remained unchanged.
Turnover amounted to 113 million euros, up from Wednesday’s 81 million.
