FTSE/Athex Large Cap

The benchmark at Athinon Avenue declined on Thursday for a third session in a row, although it actually managed to contain its losses upon closing largely thanks to the robust showing by OTE. The day's drop was partly due to the dividend that Eurobank distributed and partly because of the continued pressure on US technology stocks that has had a global impact.

The growth of most banks weighed decisively on the Greek stock market on Thursday for the final color of the benchmark, which reverted to black upon the closing after a rather narrow session, while turnover continued to decrease. Markets appear satisfied with the decline of the US inflation rate in June, which strengthens the scenario of two rate cuts by the Fed by year-end.

Tuesday's mixed session on the bourse showed a lack of clear direction in the market, with banks heading lower, mid-caps closing higher and the benchmark as well as the blue chip index ending up practically unchanged. That sufficed to make it five days in a row for the benchmark's growth, a performance not seen in three months at Athinon Avenue.

The relief from the French election results, which may have led to a hung parliament but have also banished the prospect of a far-right cabinet, gave stock buyers an extra push on Monday at the Greek bourse, leading the benchmark to highs unseen in four weeks upon closing, on improved turnover too.

Greek stocks retained their upward course on Friday, but the day's turnover was even lower than Thursday's, recording the smallest daily trading volume this year. Action is projected to pick up next week after the conclusion of the French elections, which appear to be holding investors back for now.

The anticipation of more interest rate cuts by the European Central Bank appears to have boosted stocks at the local bourse on Thursday, on a day with the lowest turnover in 2024, owing to the holiday in the US. Banks outperformed and remained the market's driver, though this time the rise was universal among the various sectors of listed companies.

Stocks bounced back on Wednesday after Tuesday's decline, although trading volume remained at a low level, reminding observers that July is nothing like June when it comes to turnover, barring any unforeseen circumstances. Thursday may well see less action given the national holiday in the US and the general election in the UK.

On a day of reduced turnover, the Greek stock market recorded losses on Tuesday following two days of growth, in what seemed like a full reversal of Monday's rebound. More than just cashing in on recent gains, traders sent bank prices into a nosedive, partly due to the downgrade of JP Morgan's guidance on Greek stocks from "buy" to "neutral."

Corporate dividends, French election concerns and the upcoming ending of the year's first half led to a variety of trends among Greek stocks on Tuesday, after the long weekend. The course of prices was more affected by every individual stock and not by a general or sector-specific trend. The session also marked the debut of Athens International Airport in the blue chip index.

The government announcement of the 33% levy on the excessive earnings of refineries had a direct effect on the share prices of both Motor Oil and Helleniq Energy, impacting the rest of the market too. However, GEK Terna and its subsidiary Terna Energy benefited on the latter's sale to Masdar, on a day of significantly increased turnover at Athinon Avenue.