Uncertainty affects market across the board
Greek stocks headed south yesterday, in line with bourses elsewhere in Europe, confirming analysts’ views on the volatile state of markets. The Athens Stock Exchange general index lost most of Wednesday’s gains, shedding 0.89 percent to close at 4,161.40 points. All capitalizations were roughly equally affected. The blue chip FTSE/Athex 20 index was 0.70 percent lower, the FTSE/Athex Mid-40 slid 0.89 percent and the FTSE/Athex Small-Cap 80 declined 0.58 percent. Fourteen of the 17 sectoral indices ended lower, with raw materials, gas and oil and foodstuffs worst affected. Utilities, travel and entertainment and construction edged higher. Among blue chips, the Public Power Corporation (PPC) outperformed with gains of 1.22 percent. Gaming firm OPAP rebounded from a string of recent losses by adding 1.02 percent, Titan cement added 0.84 percent and Eurobank gained 0.38 percent. In contrast, refiners Motor Oil and Hellenic Petroleum came under strong pressure, losing 4.16 percent and 2.57 percent respectively, Coca-Cola HBC shed 3.90 percent and Duty Free Shops lost 3.17 percent. Turnover totaled 311.60 million euros, of which 60.52 million was accounted for by block trades, including one representing 0.39 percent of Piraeus Bank.
