Athens Stock Exchange breaks 2,500‑point barrier, then slides

On Tuesday the Athens Stock Exchange’s General Index surged past the 2,500‑point level for the first time since November 2009, closing at 2,501.13 – a 1.02% rise. Trading volume topped €217 million and the bank index rose 1.33% to 2,885.82, driven by gains in National Bank, Eurobank, Piraeus Bank and Alpha Bank. High‑cap stocks such as Elvalhalcor, Viohalco and Cenergy also posted strong gains.

The following day the market reversed course as investors locked in profits. The General Index fell 1.13% to 2,472.77, with the bank index dropping 2.18% to 2,822.97. Cenergy led losers, sliding more than 7% after a large placement. Bank shares, including Piraeus Bank and Alpha Bank, declined around 2.7%, while Coca‑Cola HBC and Aktor recorded modest gains. Daily turnover remained near €480 million, with substantial block trades in Cenergy and DEH.

Analysts note that the brief rally reflected improved investor sentiment amid easing geopolitical tensions and lower energy prices, but the subsequent correction shows the market remains sensitive to global tech sell‑offs and regional uncertainties.