Change of mood sends stocks higher
Encouraging corporate results posted by US companies spread some optimism across world markets, with the Greek bourse also benefiting toward the end of last week. The Athens Exchange (ATHEX) general index closed on Friday at 2,331.32 points, which marks an increase of 4.52 percent over the previous week’s close at 2,230.44 points. The biggest rise last week was for mass media, of which the sectoral index rose by 8.54 percent. After its successful share capital increase, National Bank showed turnover growth of over 10 percent, which affected the rest of the Greek bourse during the week. In view of National’s success, Eurobank EFG and Alpha could follow suit with their own capital increase, experts suggest, given also the favorable juncture for banks. «What is most important is that sentiment has changed in the Greek bourse and we have had the first good news in 20 months,» said Manos Hatzidakis, chief analyst at Pegasus Brokerage.
