ATHEX: Stocks decline 0.65 percent
Thursday’s roller-coaster ride of a session at the Greek bourse ended with the benchmark recording small losses but the majority of stocks secured gains, as the impact of the European Central Bank’s promise to review its monetary policy in March was offset by persistent concerns about the outcome of the negotiations between Athens and its creditors.
The Athens Exchange (ATHEX) general index closed at 523.01 points, shedding 0.65 percent from Wednesday’s 526.44 points. The large-cap FTSE 25 index contracted 0.76 percent to end at another historic low of 142.91 points, while mid-caps advanced 0.97 percent.
Banks fell 1.91 percent, with Alpha the only systemic lender whose stock headed north on Thursday, adding 2.34 percent. Piraeus Bank fell 6.29 percent, Eurobank lost 5.42 percent and National Bank 3.02 percent.
Other blue chips painted a mixed picture, with Ellaktor giving up 8.20 percent and EYDAP conceding 3.08 percent, as Mytilineos expanded 2.62 percent.
In total 52 stocks reported gains, 43 recorded losses and 22 remained unchanged.
Turnover amounted to 83.9 million euros, up from Wednesday’s 58.2 million.
