Stocks drop 8.7 pct in week
The Athens Exchange (ATHEX) benchmark general index fell yesterday 100.17, or 2.6 percent, to 3,739.27 points, the steepest decline in almost three months, bringing its weekly losses to 8.7 percent. The FTSE/ATHEX 20 blue chip index lost 2.1 percent to 1,995.11 points. The Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company plunged 5.60 euros, or 21 percent, to 21.30 euros, the steepest decline since 1992. Fourlis fell 1 euro, or 4.8 percent, to 20 euros, declining for the fourth time this week. The holder of the IKEA franchise in Greece, Cyprus and Bulgaria forecast that 2008 net income will rise 39 percent. The Athens bourse will be closed on Monday for a public holiday. Turnover reached 440.3 million euros.