Stocks climb on traders’ optimism

The local benchmark’s third day of gains on Thursday showed that traders are optimistic Sunday’s elections will not have a significant impact on the country’s financial life, while some expect Fitch to upgrade Greece’s rating on Friday.

The Athens Exchange (ATHEX) general index closed at 1,150.97 points, adding 1.25 percent to Wednesday’s 1,136.76 points. The large-cap FTSE/ATHEX 25 expanded by 1.17 percent to close at 370.50 points.

Marfin Investment Group climbed 5.48 percent and Titan Cement rose 5.38 percent. Eurobank Properties was hit with the biggest loss, sliding 3.07 percent.

In total 70 stocks posted gains, 41 took losses and 23 stayed put.

Turnover came to 139.3 million euros, down from Wednesday’s 195.5 million.