ATHEX: New six-month high for index

The fourth consecutive session of gains at the Greek bourse took the benchmark to a new six-month high on Thursday as the market is hoping Greece will eventually be accepted into the European Central Bank's bond-buying program.

The Athens Exchange (ATHEX) general index closed at 648.27 points, adding 1.28 percent to Wednesday's 640.07 points. The large-cap FTSE 25 index expanded 1.87 percent to close at 1,758.96 points.

In total 64 stocks rose, 40 went down and 21 stayed put.

Turnover amounted to 94 million euros, down from Wednesday's 113.4 million.

The general index of the Cyprus Stock Exchange in Nicosia declined 1.65 percent to close at 64.49 points.