ATHEX: Stocks hit 14.5-year pinnacle

The benchmark of the Greek stock market recorded a new 14.5-year high on Wednesday, spending the entire day in the black and getting another boost from banks stocks, which are firmly at the focus of investors’ attention. Buying interest was such that it sent the day’s turnover soaring, and at this rate of growth stock prices – especially the majority of blue chips – will see a record-breaking March when the month ends next Monday.

The Athens Exchange (ATHEX) general index closed at 1,746.67 points, adding 1.17% to Monday’s 1,726.52 points. The large-cap FTSE-25 index expanded 1.48%, ending at 4,332.31 points.

The banks index grew 2.17%, on Eurobank earning 3%, Piraeus fetching 2.68%, National rising 2.50% and Alpha climbing 0.46%, though Optima slipped 0.25%. Metlen jumped 4.86%, GEK Terna augmented 2.94% and Ellaktor collected 2.72%, while Coca-Cola HBC gave up 1.25%.

In total 53 stocks secured gains, 44 endured losses and 30 remained unchanged.

Turnover amounted to €378.3 million, up from Monday’s €190.9 million.

In Nicosia, the general index of the Cyprus Stock Exchange increased 0.07% to 241.20 points.