Athens Stock Exchange posts record gains and raises €7.5 bn in H1 2026

The Athens Stock Exchange posted a historic first half of 2026, with the benchmark index up about 16 % and closing the semester with a 15.99 % gain. The market’s total capitalisation rose 35.8 billion euros to roughly €182 billion, and average daily turnover reached €344 million, the highest level since 2008.

Companies raised roughly €5.9 billion through equity issues, and total capital attracted—including bond issuances—hit about €7.5 billion, far above the €2.5 billion raised in 2025. Highlights included strong performances by banks, DEI (the electricity utility), and Coca‑Cola HBC, while ship‑owners such as Safe Bulkers and Seanergy Maritime entered the market.

Analysts from Goldman Sachs and HSBC flagged the exchange as one of Europe’s most attractive venues, noting a supportive macro‑environment and raising the index price target to 2,600 points from 2,500. Foreign funds are heavily overweight the market, reinforcing its role as a capital‑raising hub.