GEK Terna

Amid international concern about the manufacturing index (PMI) in China, which points to a notable slowdown, stock markets in Europe showed their concern on Wednesday with prices sliding in their majority.

Traders at the Greek stock market chose to cash in on some of their recent gains on Tuesday, with the main index at Athinon Avenue coming off Monday's nine-year high for some moderate losses for the majority of stocks, led by banks. Nevertheless, mid-caps bucked the trend and their index remained in positive territory.

Unfazed by news of a German recession and a US credit default threat, the Greek stock market reverted to its upward trajectory on remarkable trading volume on Thursday, recapturing the 1,200-point level, with the help of growth in bank stocks. The universally positive first-quarter results of listed companies also contributed to the price growth.

Investors continue{ to tread carefully in the local market as Sunday's election approaches, so on Thursday they reduced their activity to the bare minimum, with the majority of stocks and the benchmark at Athinon Avenue posting small losses. The day's turnover was the lowest of the month so far. Friday's session may be the last before the polls, but also sees the expiry of the April derivatives

The last few minutes of the trading session at Athinon Avenue on Monday saw the main indexes swing from gains to losses - albeit marginal - primarily owing to the decline observed in foreign markets, especially at the opening of Wall Street. Traders appear to be waiting for local political developments as well as the outcome of the Turkish elections.

Bank stocks once again pulled the index of the Greek bourse higher on Tuesday, even though mid-caps and the majority of stocks suffered losses at the end of a session dominated by selective moves by traders. This sixth consecutive day of growth for the market's benchmark took the latter to its highest level since early March.

The week at the Greek stock market began in the same way it had closed on Friday, with healthy gains for the majority of stocks driven by the growth registered by banks stocks.

Greece's Court of Audit has given the go-ahead for the construction of a new stadium for Athens soccer club Panathinaikos.

After a very narrow session at the Greek stock market, with few fluctuations, the benchmark posted minor losses on Thursday, as the bourse appeared to be lacking clear direction, hence also the further reduction in turnover. Foreign pressures due to international concerns about the credit sector were offset by consecutive reports that praised the local market.

The widely anticipated upgrading of Greece's outlook to "Positive" by Standard & Poor's on Friday was taken in the traders' stride in Monday's bourse session, with many of them engaging in some profit taking that focused on banks and construction companies. Turnover posted a considerable decline though.