The predictable hike of the European Central Bank reference rates, the first in almost three years, gave markets a new boost on Thursday and offered gains to Greek blue chips, primarily banks, though not to the majority of local stocks. That resulted in the benchmark at Athinon Avenue climbing during the closing auctions to highs not seen since early February. Volatility may persist, but the net result of recent ups and downs remains clearly positive.
The Euronext Athens (ATHEX) general index closed at 2,396.37 points, adding 0.98% to Wednesday’s 2,373.21 points. The large-cap FTSE-25 index expanded 1.04%, ending at 6,079.74 points.
The banks index improved 1.22%. Bank of Cyprus outperformed, advancing 3.08%, followed by Optima (up 1.99%) and National (1.74%). Eurobank added 1%, Alpha obtained 0.66% and Piraeus grabbed 0.34%.
In total, 49 stocks showed gains, 54 sustained losses and 19 remained unchanged.
Turnover amounted to €234.2 million, up from Wednesday’s €229.3 million.
