ATHEX: Mixed day leaves index in the red

The late decline mainly by bank stocks led the benchmark of the Greek bourse to moderate losses on Wednesday, although the majority of stocks posted gains. The low turnover revealed that many investors chose to sit the session out in anticipation of the decisions by the central banks of the US and Britain.

The Athens Exchange (ATHEX) general index closed at 1,044.96 points, shedding 0.45% from Tuesday’s 1,049.70 points. The large-cap FTSE-25 index contracted 0.72% to end at 2,533.42 points, though mid-caps expanded 0.02%.

The banks index dropped 1.40%, as National parted with 1.94%, Eurobank fell 1.93%, Piraeus gave up 1.53% and Alpha slipped 0.04%.

Ellaktor earned 2.81%, Coca-Cola HBC grew 2.18%, Piraeus Port Authority improved 1.49% and Motor Oil collected 1.45%, while Public Power Corporation sank 2.38%, Jumbo lost 2.13%, Sarantis eased 2.07% and Viohalco declined 1.86%.

In total 50 stocks posted gains, 42 endured losses and 27 remained unchanged.

Turnover amounted to 74.4 million euros, down from Tuesday’s €114 million.

In Nicosia, the general index of the Cyprus Stock Exchange decreased 0.11% to close at 105.95 points.