ATHEX: Benchmark makes it six in a row

The northward momentum continued unabated in the Greek stock market on Thursday with the benchmark advancing for a sixth day in a row, as the softening stance of Berlin on the Greek social security reform and the prospect of the return of the creditors’ representatives to Athens next week feed expectations for a swift conclusion of the bailout review.

The Athens Exchange (ATHEX) general index closed at 551.36 points, adding 2.91 percent to Wednesday’s 535.78 points.

The large-cap FTSE 25 index expanded 3.01 percent to end at 150.68 points. Viohalco outperformed with gains of 11.54 percent.

In total 75 stocks rose, 34 declined and 22 stayed put.

Turnover amounted to 64.3 million euros, against Wednesday’s 98 million.

The general index of the Cyprus Stock Exchange in Nicosia edged up 0.04 percent to 67.63 points.