Grexit talk sends bourse benchmark further south

International rumors about a Greek eurozone exit and the bleak outlook of the country?s negotiations with its creditors sent local stocks even lower on Wednesday, with banks again bearing the brunt of the selling pressure.

The Athens Exchange (ATHEX) general index ended at 743.95 points, shedding 1.94 percent from Tuesday?s 758.63 points. The large-cap FTSE/ATHEX 25 index contracted 2.17 percent to close at 220.99 points.

Piraeus Bank reached a historic low of 0.27 euros, having dropping 13.18 percent, while Eurobank (down 8.16 percent) and Attica Bank (7.69 percent) also approached record lows. Alpha fell 5.83 percent and Marfin Investment Group lost 6.40 percent. Terna Energy outperformed, expanding 3.56 percent, and Grivalia Properties rose 2.59 percent.

In total 25 stocks registered gains, 75 sustained losses and 17 closed unchanged. Turnover amounted to 63.9 million euros, down from Tuesday?s 66.9 million.

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