Index starts rising again on good news for banks

The thumbs-up given by Moody’s to Greek banks, coupled with the expected return of Eurobank and Viohalco to the blue-chip index ended the decline of Greek stocks with a late rally that gave the benchmark marginal gains on Tuesday.

The Athens Exchange (ATHEX) general index closed at 1,195.20 points, adding just 0.10 percent to Monday’s 1,193.95 points. The large-cap FTSE/ATHEX 25 expanded 0.25 percent to 386.37 points, but mid-caps declined by 0.69 percent.

In the aftermath of an announcement regarding its six suitors, Piraeus Port Authority (OLP) outperformed with gains of 3.37 percent, while OPAP added 2.22 percent. Corinth Pipeworks gave up 2.22 percent and Motor Oil dropped 2.08 percent.

In total, 61 stocks moved up, 63 came down and 26 stayed put.

Turnover came to 99.2 million euros, up from Monday’s 89.5 million.