Stocks rise on assurance of priorities

The Greek bourse began the four-day recess having secured daily gains of 1.06 percent and a weekly rise of 0.61 percent, as the government asked its eurozone peers for cash while making it clear that Russia is not a solution to Greece?s financial problems. Thursday?s trading volume was the second lowest of the year.

The Athens Exchange (ATHEX) general index ended at 776.03 points, up from Wednesday?s 767.92 points. The large-cap FTSE/ATHEX 25 index expanded 1.17 percent to close at 232.54 points.

Banks received a boost from the European Central Bank approval of another 1.2 billion euros in emergency liquidity assistance via the Bank of Greece, and their index climbed 2.50 percent yesterday. Piraeus Bank grew 4.33 percent, Terna Energy rose 4.15 percent, Hellenic Exchanges climbed 3.99 percent and Eurobank advanced 3.74 percent, while Grivalia Properties conceded 2.16 percent and Folli Follie lost 1.72 percent.

In total 61 stocks posted gains, 37 registered losses and 20 stayed put.

Turnover amounted to just 38.8 million euros, against Wednesday?s 45.7 million.

The bourse will reopen on Tuesday, April 14.