GEK Terna

A universal push higher by Greek stocks sent the benchmark of the local bourse to a six-week high on Thursday, as it smashed through the 1,200-point level with ease, outperforming most other eurozone markets. This was the fifth consecutive session of gains for the main index at Athinon Avenue, with a notable increase in turnover too.

Despite the drop of banks stocks, which left the blue chip index unchanged on the day, the benchmark of the Greek stock market posted a minor increase on Wednesday on the back of the notable rise recorded by mid-caps. The market saw a significant majority of rising stocks in this fourth straight day of price growth, and a decline in the day's trading volume.

Friday's mixed session at Athinon Avenue had the blue chip index close in the red, while the majority of stocks managed to drag the benchmark back into the black with the help of a handful of energy blue chips.

Tuesday's session at Athinon Avenue was a one-stock show as it was the first day of trading for Alpha Bank after the major proposal tabled by UniCredit for the Greek lender's stake that bank bailout fund HFSF holds, and the merger of the Italian bank's operations in Romania with those of Alpha. As a result Alpha jumped 12.44%, while most other local stocks registered gains too.

The impact of inflation and rising interest rates on first-half corporate results of listed companies continues to put pressure on stock prices at Athinon Avenue, as the benchmark of the Greek bourse suffered fresh losses on Wednesday.

The tender for the new 25-year concession of Attki Odos attracted record-level financial offers, but the highest binding financial offer among the six candidates that participated in the process was submitted by GEK Terna.

Greek stocks suffered yet another slump on Thursday, with their losses growing as the day progressed, with floods in central Greece and the postponement of the prime minister's speech in Thessaloniki not helping stocks recover. Friday's DBRS Morningstar credit rating report on Greece could change all that.

The majority of stocks at Athinon Avenue posted a moderate decline on Wednesday, as the bourse failed to build on its Tuesday recovery. There was little in the direction of selling but even less action among buyers, so most of the day's reduced turnover went toward bringing prices down.

Greek stocks declined slightly in August's last session at the Athens Stock Exchange (ASE), as investors locked in profits, although on a limited scale. What stood out though was the sudden surge in turnover, to €453.75 million.

The Athens Stock Exchange rose slightly on Thursday but could not scramble above 1,300 points, a level it has found difficult to sustain.

Investors made selective moves in some stocks and turnover was relatively low for a second session in a row.

The general index closed at 1,295.91 points, a 0.17% gain. Blue chips declined 0.11%, mid-caps gained 0.73% and banks slid 0.44%.