ATHEX: Bourse benchmark posts small decline

After Tuesday's healthy gains, it was back to the old routine for Greek stocks on Wednesday, with a mixed picture among blue chips and trading volume slipping back below the 30-million-euro level.

The Athens Exchange (ATHEX) general index closed at 593.02 points, shedding 0.14 percent from Tuesday's 593.83 points. It seems clear that if the main index is to clear the 600-point bar, the turnover level will have to rise considerably.

The large-cap FTSE 25 index contracted 0.04 percent to end at 1,573.82 points, while mid-caps expanded 1.12 percent.

Banks were among the worst performers on Wednesday, with their index giving up 1.18 percent. Eurobank conceded 2.57 percent and National Bank declined 1.49 percent.

Among other blue chips Viohalco advanced 5.38 percent and Hellenic Petroleum grew 2.73 percent, while METKA decreased 2.85 percent and Folli Follie fell...