ATHEX: Coeure statement sends stocks higher

The Greek bourse has ended April with a bang, as Thursday?s session appeared quiet for the most part before buyers rushed in during the last 40 minutes to send the benchmark over 3 percent higher. This was on the statement by ECB council member Benoit Coeure that if Greece and its creditors edge closer to a deal, Frankfurt could allow Greek banks to acquire more Greek treasury bills.

The Athens Exchange (ATHEX) general index closed at 822.88 points, adding 3.12 percent to Wednesday?s 797.99 points. On a weekly basis it added 8.05 percent and since end-March it has added 6.12 percent.

The large-cap FTSE/ATHEX 25 index expanded 2.78 percent to close at 245.27 points.

Ellaktor was the protagonist among blue chips with a 9.89 percent rise, followed by Folli Follie (up 9.84 percent), Eurobank (9.76 percent), Public Power Corporation (9.71 percent) and Piraeus Bank (9.70 percent). Viohalco lost 10.54 percent and Coca Cola HBC declined 2.04 percent.

In total 89 stocks showed gains, 27 took losses and 13 remained unchanged.

Turnover amounted to 113 million euros, up from Wednesday?s 81 million.