Greek stocks closed in positive territory on Thursday, with the Athens General Composite finishing the session up 0.89%. Strength in the Banking, Construction and Travel sectors helped lift the benchmark at the close in Athens.
Top performers
The session's strongest gains on the Athens General Composite were led by Qualco Group SA (AT:QLCOr), which climbed 6.47% or 0.36 points to finish at 5.92. Lottery operator OPAP Holding SA (AT:OPAr) added 4.15% or 0.64 points to end the day at 16.05. National Bank of Greece SA (AT:NBGr) also advanced, rising 2.94% or 0.41 points to close at 14.35.
Lagging names
On the downside, Ellaktor SA (AT:HELr) dropped 3.05% or 0.04 points to trade at 1.33 at the close. Piraeus Port (AT:OLPr) declined 2.41% or 0.95 points to finish at 38.40, while retailer Jumbo SA (AT:BABr) slipped 2.22% or 0.58 points to close at 25.60.
Market breadth and session detail
Advancing issues outnumbered decliners on the Athens Stock Exchange, with 73 stocks rising compared with 45 falling; 13 shares ended unchanged. The sector-level lift from Banking, Construction and Travel coincided with the notable individual moves highlighted above.
Commodities and currency moves
In commodities trading, Gold Futures for April delivery was down 0.37% or 19.59 to $5,206.61 a troy ounce. Crude oil for April delivery rose 1.54% or 1.01 to $66.43 a barrel, and the May Brent oil contract increased 1.97% or 1.39 to trade at $72.08 a barrel.
On currency screens, EUR/USD was unchanged 0.15% to 1.18, while EUR/GBP was unchanged 0.21% to 0.87. The US Dollar Index Futures was up 0.11% at 97.74.
Summary
The Athens market closed higher, led by gains in the Banking, Construction and Travel sectors. Qualco Group, OPAP Holding and National Bank of Greece were the session's best performers, while Ellaktor, Piraeus Port and Jumbo were among the largest decliners. Market breadth favored advancers, and commodity and FX markets posted mixed results in parallel markets.
Key points
- Athens General Composite rose 0.89% at the close, driven by gains in Banking, Construction and Travel sectors.
- Top individual risers included Qualco Group SA (AT:QLCOr) +6.47%, OPAP Holding SA (AT:OPAr) +4.15%, and National Bank of Greece SA (AT:NBGr) +2.94%.
- Notable decliners included Ellaktor SA (AT:HELr) -3.05%, Piraeus Port (AT:OLPr) -2.41%, and Jumbo SA (AT:BABr) -2.22%. Market breadth showed 73 advancers, 45 decliners and 13 unchanged.
Risks and uncertainties
- Individual stock volatility: Several names recorded large percentage moves, indicating elevated stock-specific risk for investors in those equities.
- Commodity price swings: Movement in crude and Brent prices could influence market sentiment and sectors linked to energy and transport.
- Currency fluctuations: Changes in EUR/USD and EUR/GBP, and the US Dollar Index Futures, could affect companies with significant foreign currency exposure.