Banks help ATHEX close over 900 pts
[INTIME]
After two failed attempts, the Athens Stock Exchange topped 900 points Thursday for the first time since June 28 on the strength of positive half-year results by banks, especially Piraeus Bank, and selected blue chips.
The ATHEX general index closed at 903.33 points, adding 0.85%. Market analysts say the way is open for the 950-point level, provided investor interest remains high and global conditions do not take a turn for the worse.
The ATHEX 25 blue chip index grew by 0.80%, ending at 2,169.54, while mid-caps slipped 0.23%.
The bank sub-index gained 1.96%, led by Piraeus Bank (+4.15%) and the other three majors all rising.
Other big gainers included Piraeus Port Authority, Lamda Development and OTE Telecoms.
Turnover reached €56.4 million.
