ATHEX: Investors cash in their recent gains

The Greek stock market on Wednesday took a step back after Tuesday’s rally, with several traders cashing in gains and the benchmark ending the session at the day’s low. The reduced trading illustrated the cautious approach by investors as the situation in the Middle East goes from bad to worse, but the flow of corporate deals is expected to continue and take the main index above the 1,200-point mark shortly.

The Athens Exchange (ATHEX) general index closed at 1,185.24 points, shedding 0.95% from Tuesday’s 1,196.56 points. The large-cap FTSE-25 index contracted 0.96% to end at 2,926.95 points.

The banks index dropped 1.75%, as Alpha gave up 3.33%, Piraeus fell 2.61%, Eurobank fell 1.11% and National eased 0.46%. Cenergy Holdings sank 3.73%, EYDAP conceded 3.36% and Ellaktor parted with 3.07%, while Motor Oil advanced 0.71%.

In total 36 stocks recorded gains, 55 reported losses and 22 remained unchanged.

Turnover amounted to 76.6 million euros, down from Tuesday’s 113.1 million euros.

In Nicosia, the general index of the Cyprus Stock Exchange decreased 0.19% to close at 126.46 points.