Decline in Europe carries Athens lower
Greek stocks yesterday followed the downward trend set by European markets but at a more modest rate which was attributed to the underperformance of the local market during the recent rise in Europe. The Athens Exchange (ATHEX) general index lost 0.45 percent of its value, closing at 4,876.87 points from 4,898.93 points on Wednesday. The FTSE/ATHEX 20 blue chip index declined 0.29 percent to close at 2,596.49 points. The FTSE/ATHEX Mid-40 moved 0.48 percent lower and the FTSE/ATHEX 80 small-cap index fell 0.80 percent. The FTSE/ATHEX international index registered a 0.35 percent fall to end at 6,972.09 points. Few blue chips posted gains, led by Alpha Bank (up 1.53 percent), Piraeus Bank (1.10 percent) and Hellenic Petroleum (1.01 percent). Marfin Laiki led losers with a 2.5 percent drop, followed by Intralot (down 2.04 percent), Viohalco (1.66 percent), OPAP (1.12 percent) and Postal Savings Bank (1.06 percent). Most sectoral indices also were on the losing side, with personal and household goods declining by 1.53 percent, industrial products by 1.44 percent and travel and entertainment by 1.39 percent. The only gainers were the indices of commerce (up 1.37 percent), financial services (0.28 percent) and construction (0.03 percent). Turnover totaled -414.01 million, including -100.81 million in block trades.
