ATHEX: Early losses contained after quiet trading day

The Greek stock exchange had a mixed session on Tuesday, with the losses recorded during the day all but offset toward the closing bell, while rising stocks outnumbered losers after another drop in trading volume.

The Athens Exchange (ATHEX) general index closed at 562.40 points, shedding 0.21 percent from Monday's 563.59 points. The FTSE 25 index contracted just 0.05 percent to end at 1,495.92 points, while the small-cap index expanded 0.46 percent.

Banks contained their earlier losses to drop just 0.31 percent, with National falling 2.67 percent and Eurobank rising 1.39 percent. Alpha and Piraeus ended up as non-movers. Hellenic Exchanges and Ellaktor outperformed, rising 3.24 percent and 3.17 percent respectively. OPAP gave up 2.47 percent.

In total 55 stocks posted gains, 42 took losses and 21 closed unchanged.

Turnover amounted to 26.1 million euros,...