National takes bourse index higher, while turnover rises

National Bank led the Greek bourse benchmark to a second consecutive day of gains yesterday on hopes that the sale of a large stake in its Turkish unit, Finansbank, will mean that NBG will be able to minimize its capital requirements and facilitate its return to the private sector. Trading volume improved, exceeding 40 million euros.

The Athens Exchange (ATHEX) general index closed at 670.69 points, adding 0.54 percent to Monday’s 667.09 points. The largecap FTSE 25 index expanded 0.92 percent to end at 197.74 points.

National rose 4.55 percent, OPAP gaming company increased 2.83 percent and OTE telecom advanced 2.73 percent, while Piraeus Port Authority declined 3.46 percent and Piraeus Bank dropped 2.33 percent.

In total 43 stocks posted gains, 38 took losses and 18 closed unchanged.

Turnover amounted to 41.1 million euros, up from Monday’s 32.3 million.