ATHEX: Stocks perform balancing act

Greek bank stocks broke their losing streak on Thursday - but only just - in a trading session of mixed fortunes which ended with stocks split down the middle between winners and losers.

The Athens Exchange (ATHEX) general index ended at 741.98 points, shedding 0.11 percent from Wednesday's 741.98 points. The large-cap FTSE-26 index was virtually unchanged at 1,944.48 points, while mid-caps contracted 0.26 percent.

The banks index advanced 0.39 percent after cumulative losses of 14.4 percent in the previous five sessions. Eurobank jumped 2.60 percent and Piraeus ascended 1.36 percent, while National declined 1.15 percent.

News of fresh problems for the Elliniko project sent Lamda Development 2.89 percent lower. Fourlis fell 3.04 percent, Viohalco gave up 2.61 percent and OTE telecom dropped 2.42 percent.

In total 47 stocks posted gains, 47 registered losses...