ATHEX: Slight rise suffices for 800 points

A mixed Wednesday on the Greek bourse saw gainers edge out the losers and provided the benchmark with just enough fuel to climb back above the 800-point level, thanks mainly to the growth of bank stocks for the second day in a row.

The Athens Exchange (ATHEX) general index ended at 800.76 points, adding 0.10% to Tuesday's 799.97 points. The large-cap FTSE 25 index expanded 0.20% to close at 1,914.85 points.

After a strong showing in the closing auctions, the banks index advanced 1.73%. National led the way with a rise of 4.83, followed by Alpha (up 1.35%) and Eurobank (up 0.77%), while Piraeus contracted 2.62%.

Terna Energy outperformed with a 3.05% jump. Hellenic Petroleum grew 1.42% and Viohalco collected 1.27%, as Hellenic Exchanges parted with 2.09%, Lamda Development gave up 1.98% and Motor Oil conceded 1.82%.

In total 58 stocks posted gains, 45...