ATHEX: Benchmark records longest rising streak in 50 months

The main index of the Greek stock market chalked up its ninth consecutive northbound session after Tuesday’s rise – a feat unseen since January 2012 – while the series of gains has taken the benchmark 18.85 percent higher. The return of the creditors’ leading representatives, renewed talk of a debt settlement and the big drop in Greek bond yields on Tuesday contributed to yet another day of gains, primarily for banks, which grew 3.51 percent.

The Athens Exchange (ATHEX) general index closed at 563.67 points, adding 0.76 percent to Monday’s 559.44 points. The large-cap FTSE 25 index expanded 0.91 percent to end at 154.05 points.

Alpha Bank rose 5.26 percent to 1.80 euros, edging closer to its recap price last fall (2 euros). Its growth was only bettered by GEK Terna (up 9.79 percent) and Viohalco (6.90 percent). Ellaktor, on the other hand, declined 3.57 percent.

In total 57 stocks reported gains, 50 sustained losses and 17 remained unchanged.

Turnover amounted to 77.6 million euros, up from Monday’s 58 million.

In Nicosia the general index of the Cyprus Stock Exchange gave up 0.47 percent to reach 67.62 points.