ATHEX: Investors opt for careful stock activity

Stocks posted a modest rise on Monday – after four straight sessions of losses – as traders made selected moves and turnover remained below 30 million euros. Their caution is attributed to anticipation for developments from the Eurogroup meeting and negotiations between Athens and its creditors, as well as the progress of the share capital increases of Greek lenders.

The Athens Exchange (ATHEX) general index closed yesterday at 683.49 points, adding 0.89 percent to Friday’s 677.43 points. The large-cap FTSE 25 index expanded 1.23 percent, ending at 203.87 points.

All eyes remain fixed on bank chips, whose index enjoyed a 1.03 increase. Alpha Bank advanced 4.12 percent and National Bank rose 1.71 percent, while Piraeus Bank gave up 5.36 percent and Eurobank slid 3.13 percent.

The biggest rise among blue chips was for Public Power Corporation (up 4.14 percent). OPAP grew 3.31 percent and Jumbo jumped 2.87 percent.

In total 46 stocks reported gains, 40 recorded losses and 17 closed unchanged.

Turnover amounted to just 29.4 million euros, down from last Friday’s 44.3 million.