ATHEX: Investor pessimism drives stock index lower

The gloomy outlook regarding the second bailout review resulted in stocks heading south in thin trade on Monday, with particularly low market expectations about the International Monetary Fund's board meeting that started long after the bell rang at Athinon Avenue.

The Athens Exchange (ATHEX) general index closed at 628.92 points, shedding 1.30 percent from Friday's 623.06 points. The large-cap FTSE 25 index contracted 1.46 percent to end at 1,655.61 points.

Banks slumped 3.66 percent, as Piraeus fell 4.84 percent, Eurobank gave up 4.43 percent and Alpha conceded 3.85 percent.

Mytilineos outperformed with its 2.14 percent increase, while Grivalia Properties dropped 2.91 percent.

In total 33 stocks registered gains, 51 posted losses and 28 stayed put.

Turnover amounted to 27.3 million euros, up from Friday's 26.4 million.

In Nicosia the general...

Continue reading on: