Index

Investors appeared indifferent to the start of negotiations between Athens and its creditors? technical experts on Thursday, as the stock market slipped lower, mainly due to the drop in mid-caps.

Investors in the Greek stock market clearly had no positive feelings about the start of talks between the technical experts of the eurozone and the Greek government in Brussels on Wednesday, with banks again leading the blue chip losers.

The marked rise in turnover at Tuesday?s ATHEX session came about mostly during the containment of the early gains posted in the wake of Monday?s Eurogroup, as the benchmark?s 4 percent morning gains proved no more than a flash in the pan. Trading volume started picking up during the day as the sellers resurfaced to create a mix of green and red on the stock chart.

By Inyoung Hwang

European stocks declined after a five-week rally as concern resurfaced over Greece and the timing of an interest-rate increase in the U.S.

By Emma O?Brien and Nick Gentle

European bonds rose as the region?s central bank began buying sovereign debt. Greece led declines in stocks while shares in emerging markets fell to a three-week low.

Athens Stock Exchange saw a small rise in equity prices at 11.00 am on Friday, with the basic share price index up 0.13%, standing at 858.68 points and turnover at 8.55 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE Large Cap index for blue chip and heavily traded stocks rose by 0.20% and the FTSE/ASE Mid Cap index rose by 0.07%.

The Athens Stock Exchange saw a drop in equity prices at 11 a.m. on Thursday with the basic share price index down 2.37%, standing at 859.61 points and turnover at 9.985 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE Large Cap index for blue chip and heavily traded stocks decreased by 2.70% and the FTSE/ASE Mid Cap index was down by 2.69%.

The Greek stock market fell for a third day in a row on Friday as concerns about the state?s cash flow rose due to statements by ministers.

The Athens Exchange (ATHEX) general index closed at 880.48 points, shedding 2.67 percent from Thursday?s 904.59 points. On a weekly basis the benchmark added 3.08 percent, but February posted a 21.96 percent rise.

The impressive gains in Tuesday?s bourse session were followed on Wednesday by a significant decline for banks and a mixed day for other stocks, on reduced turnover.

The honeymoon is over at the Greek bourse, as the satisfaction from the country?s deal with the eurozone appeared short-lived, with stocks falling for a second day on Thursday on news that the state is increasingly cash-starved and left-wing deputies are disputing the government?s policy.