Slide takes index below key level
The main index of the Athens bourse dropped below the 2,000-point level after two weeks as stocks continued their slide in line with global markets. The Athens Exchange (ATHEX) general index closed at 1,979.79 points yesterday, dropping by 1.953 percent from Wednesday. The blue chip FTSE/ATHEX 20 index decreased by 1.94 percent to end at 1,050.57 points. Most blue chips registered a decline, headed by Hellenic Petroleum (down 6.67 percent), National Bank (6.64 percent) and Coca-Cola HBC (4.65 percent). Heading northward were the stocks of OPAP (up 4.95 percent), Viohalco (4.57 percent) and OTE telecom (3.51 percent). Market experts note that the decline will continue as long us the foreign shareholders of National Bank continue to sell their stakes. Turnover reached a limited 192.9 million euros.
