ATHEX: Strong end to July on local stock market

July ended on the Greek bourse with notable gains of 5.43 percent, partly thanks to the moderate rise posted in Friday’s session, which minimized the week’s losses. Banks led the way as they rebounded from a difficult week to turn July losses into gains of 2.54 percent.

The Athens Exchange (ATHEX) general index closed at 571.33 points, adding 1.51 percent to Thursday’s 562.84 points. On a weekly basis it declined by just 0.04 percent. The large-cap FTSE 25 index expanded 1.76 percent to end at 1,527.96 points.

The banks index advanced 8.17 percent, with National climbing 13.48 percent, Piraeus increasing 11.11 percent, Alpha jumping 6.63 percent and Eurobank grabbing 3.66 percent.

Among other blue chips, Terna Energy earned 3.50 percent, Folli Follie improved 2.71 percent and Piraeus Port Authority gained 1.84 percent, while Jumbo contracted 3.56 percent and Grivalia Properties declined 3.48 percent.

Titan Cement’s Q2 results issued late on Thursday produced a mixed reaction on Friday (up by just 0.59 percent).

In total 52 stocks recorded a rise, 28 suffered a drop and 11 remained unchanged.

Turnover amounted to 38.9 million euros, just below Thursday’s 39.2 million.

In Nicosia the general index of the Cyprus Stock Exchange posted a notable growth of 2.06 percent to end the month at 67.25 points.