ATHEX: Benchmark sheds 1.6 pct over the week

While most international stock markets are experiencing big gains and historic highs, the Athens bourse remains stagnant as the Greek economy has yet to rid itself of lingering uncertainties and political obstacles. Consequently the trading week at Athinon Avenue ended with weekly losses of 1.59 percent while the banks index fell 5.13 percent.

The Athens Exchange (ATHEX) general index closed at 749.23 points on Friday, adding 0.37 percent to Thursday's 746.45 points. The large-cap FTSE-26 index expanded 0.31 percent to close at 1,975.39 points.

Banks rose just 0.12 percent, as Attica grabbed 1.85 percent, Alpha increased 1.20 percent, Piraeus augmented 0.81 percent, National declined 0.69 percent and Eurobank gave up 1.29 percent.

Among other blue chips, Hellenic Petroleum jumped 2.15 percent and PPC ascended 2.12 percent, and Fourlis Holdings conceded 1.79...