ATHEX: Credit sector turns week into black

Banks almost single-handedly pushed the benchmark of the Greek bourse higher on Friday, as the other blue chips appeared rather weak on the day.

The positive start to the month was based on the record earnings that Piraeus Bank posted and the momentum from fellow eurozone markets. Next week the three other systemic banks will issue their third-quarter results too, likely giving the bourse an extra boost.

The Athens Exchange (ATHEX) general index closed at 1,390.49 points, adding 0.56% to Thursday's 1,382.68 points. On a weekly basis it swung to marginal profits of 0.02%.

The large-cap FTSE-25 index expanded 0.85%, ending at 3,359.70 points, and the banks index grew 2.08%.

Cenergy Holdings grabbed 2.99%, National earned 2.73% and Piraeus Bank grew 2.68%, while Autohellas fell 2.64%.

In total 55 stocks reported gains, 45 suffered losses and 23...