Greek Stocks Lower On Thin Trade
The Athens General Index continues to move close to year lows, as the market fails to find any catalysts for substantial reaction and the volume remains at levels of depreciation.
The absence of any news flow, which could fuel a upward movement, has trapped the domestic market during the last 10 sessions into a margin of 38 units, while it forces most investors to maintain a wait-and-see stance.
The market focuses on the discussions between the Greek government and troika representatives regarding the review of the country’s fiscal adjustment and debt sustainability, after a long period of speculation about the possibility of Greek debt restructuring.
Market analysts note that under current conditions, volatility would probably be high, while market’s trend is expected to remain unclear. The publication of quarter results by Greek listed companies may draw investors’ interest.
Kyprou Securities called the Athens market fragile as it floats close to the year lows and the government does not appear very much convincing about its intentions to realize the necessary tighter fiscal policy that would gradually generate budget surplus.
Marfin Analysis and Eurobank Equities also stated the lack of any substantial news flow. "At this moment the market is stuck in a declining trend and there is no positive news flow to turn around sentiment," a local head of research told Dow Jones Newswires.
Across the board, the General Index ended 1.14% lower, at 1,412.84 units, with intraday losses of 1.73%. Approximately 21.32 million units worth just €71.97m (of which €6.11m in pre-agreed trade) were traded on Tuesday, while a total amount of 70 shares rose, 71 declined and 140 remained unchanged.
Banks retreated by 1.88%, at 1,053.85 units. Only Attica Bank ended on positive grounds, with profits of 1.15%, while Eurobank bore the heaviest pressures, ending at €3.62, 3.98% lower. Alpha Bank fell by 2.84%, while National Bank, Proton Bank and Geniki Bank declined by 1.91%, 1.83%, 1.79% and 1.57% respectively. Bank of Cyprus and Hellenic Postbank lost 0.82% and 0.71% respectively.
(capital.gr)