Stocks rise 0.36 pct, boosted by National
Equities rose 0.36 percent yesterday, helped by gains in European bourses with the country’s largest commercial bank, National, outperforming after news that it will absorb a subsidiary. «Trading was boosted by a positive climate in Europe. Interest in blue chips came mainly from foreign institutionals, but on lower flows than yesterday,» said Annie Triandafyllou, analyst at National Securities. National said yesterday it will seek shareholder approval to merge with subsidiary investment bank ETEBA. National gained 2.28 percent to 21.54 euros. The Athens benchmark general index advanced 0.36 percent to 2,237.86 points, ending the week up 39.31 points or 1.7 percent. The bourse’s index of blue chips added 0.51 percent to 1,170.13 points. Mid-caps added 0.36 percent with small-caps shedding 0.28 percent. Turnover was 109.63 million euros on 22.2 million shares traded. Losers beat winners 165 to 140, while 53 shares were unchanged on 358 traded. (Reuters) Thessaloniki-Brussels
