Athens Exchange

The Greek stock market benchmark ended its four-session rising streak on Monday, as the major surge in the Public Power Corporation's stock price was not enough to avert the slide in the main index that was largely brought on by anticipated profit taking by traders.

Piraeus Bank grew second quarter net profit as provisions for impaired loans decreased, Greece's largest lender by assets said on Friday.

Piraeus Bank, which is 26.2 percent owned by the country's HFSF bank rescue fund, reported a net profit from continued operations of 20 million euros ($22.29 million) after net earnings of 14 million in the first quarter.

National and Alpha, two of Greece's top banks, alongside Piraeus and Eurobank, continued their bid to rid themselves of their bad loans, half-year results revealed on Thursday. Both banks' efforts to repair their balance sheets resulted in significantly improved profits.

Despite losses of 1.60 percent on Friday, the Athens Stock Exchange ended up 5 percent on the week, boosted by bank shares, which rose 12 percent.
However, trading volume was down almost 30 percent from last week, with the average transaction value at 50.081 million euros per session.

The government is moving quickly to develop plans to reduce the retail banks' nonperforming loans, hoping it will make up for the wasted time under the SYRIZA government.

Anticipation of positive feedback from Fitch in its report on Greece, expected late on Friday, and the advance of Greek bonds helped contain the stock drop at Athinon Avenue at the end of the week, compared to significant retreats on other eurozone markets.
The Athens Exchange (ATHEX) general index ended at 885.11 points, shedding 1.11 percent from Wednesday's 895.04 points.

Bank stocks led the Greek bourse lower on Thursday, with trading volume dropping significantly at the start of August, the traditional summer holiday month in Greece.
The Athens Exchange (ATHEX) general index ended at 895.04 points, shedding 0.54 percent from Wednesday's 899.93 points.

The Greek bourse benchmark has almost reached the psychologically important 900-point mark, ending July with monthly gains of 3.62 percent.
The Athens Exchange (ATHEX) general index ended at 899.93 points on Wednesday, adding 1.14 percent to Tuesday's 889.81 points.

Greek stocks regained some of the ground lost during Tuesday's trade in the closing auctions. The benchmark's northbound streak was halted after five sessions, while the banks index retained its growth course - but only just.

Banks led the way on Monday at Athinon Avenue, where trade was notably slower due to it being the start of the traditional summer holiday season, while the election frenzy that started on May 27 appears to have subsided. The benchmark edged nearer the 900-point landmark, but the majority of stocks ended up on the losing side.