ATHEX: Slight drop for the week and month

March proved to be the first month of decline - albeit marginal - after four months of growth for the benchmark of the Greek stock market, which dropped just 0.17% from end-February. In the last session of the local bourse ahead of the four-day recess, most stocks posted gains despite the decline of the banks index.

The Athens Exchange (ATHEX) general index closed at 1,422.35 points, adding 0.34% to Wednesday's 1,417.59 points. The week has closed with a decline of 0.20%.

The large-cap FTSE-25 index expanded 0.40%, ending at 3,420.41 points, while the banks index contracted 0.41%.

OPAP grew 2.58%, Jumbo improved 1.68% and Terna Energy augmented 1.58%, just as Viohalco gave up 1.61%.

In total 56 stocks recorded gains, 47 suffered losses and 19 remained unchanged.

Turnover amounted to 112.7 million euros, up from Wednesday's €98.4 million.