Banks lead market higher
Greek stocks added almost 2 percent yesterday as banks outperformed after news that British group Barclays would not need assistance from a government bailout helped boost sentiment in the sector. The Athens Exchange’s benchmark general index rose 1.91 percent to 1,695.16 points. Banks advanced 2.44 percent. National Bank jumped 3.80 percent to close the day at 12.02 euros while Alpha Bank rose 3.62 percent to 5.72 euros. Public Power Corporation (PPC) was also among the winners, gaining 5.93 percent to 12.50 euros. In late trade, London’s FTSE 100 index was up 3.87 percent, the CAC 40 index in Paris added 3.53 percent and Frankfurt’s DAX was 3.29 percent higher. Turnover on the Athens bourse reached 81.60 million euros.
