Benchmark inches higher following low-energy correction

Friday’s reaction by stock buyers at the Greek bourse was rather to be expected, but it proved to be a correction move short on steam, as the end of the session found the benchmark just above the day’s lowest point and merely posting marginal gains from Thursday’s close.

The Athens Exchange (ATHEX) general index closed at 1,154.89 points, adding 0.30 percent to Thursday’s 1,151.48 points. On a weekly basis the index fell 8.19 percent. The blue chip FTSE/ATHEX 25 expanded by 0.49 percent, closing at 372.32 points, while small-caps dropped 0.23 percent.

Hellenic Exchanges rose 2.47 percent, while Viohalco gave up 2.59 percent. In total 62 stocks enjoyed gains, 55 suffered losses and 14 stayed put.

Turnover amounted to just 73.6 million euros, less than half of Thursday’s 150.5 million.