QE expectations bolster Athens stock exchange

Non-bank blue chips attracted significant buying interest on Tuesday, lifting the benchmark of the Greek bourse to a new 17-week high.

The rise was in line with other eurozone markets.

The Athens Exchange (ATHEX) general index closed at 593.83 points, adding 1.33 percent to Monday's 586.06 points.

The large-cap FTSE 25 index expanded 1.49 percent to end at 1,574.51 points.

The gains on European markets on Tuesday are attributed to expectations that the European Central Bank's bond-buying program will be expanded in Thursday's meeting of its Governing Council.

In total 57 stocks recorded gains, 44 took losses and 20 closed unchanged.

Turnover rose to 48.1 million euros, up from Monday's 27.2 million.

In Nicosia the general index of the Cyprus Stock Exchange slipped 0.01 percent, closing at 66.89 points.