Greek equities finished the trading session higher on Friday, with the Athens General Composite rising 1.05% to register a closing level not seen in five years. Gains were concentrated in the Banking, Construction and Travel sectors and supported by broad participation among listed issues.
On an individual basis, the session's top performers included Alter Ego Media SA (AEMr), which climbed 4.41% - an increase of 0.24 points - to close at 5.68. Cement maker Titan Cement International SA (TITCr) added 3.74% or 1.90 points to finish the day at 52.70. Banking name Eurobank Ergasias SA (EURBr) advanced 3.15%, a rise of 0.12 points, to end trading at 4.06.
Not all names moved higher. Quest Holdings (IQTr) led declines, sliding 5.02% or 0.38 points to close at 7.19. Elvalhalcor Hellenic Copper and Aluminium Industry SA (ELHA) dropped 3.07% or 0.15 points to end at 4.57, while BriQ Properties REIC (BRIQr) fell 2.89% or 0.09 points to 3.02.
Market breadth on the Athens Stock Exchange favored advancers, with 74 stocks rising, 43 declining and 13 finishing unchanged.
Commodities trading showed divergent moves. Gold futures for August delivery strengthened sharply, gaining 2.17% or 89.37 to trade at 4,203.37 US dollars per troy ounce. By contrast, crude oil contracts were lower: the July contract for delivery slipped 1.30% or 1.14 to settle at 86.57 dollars a barrel, while the August Brent contract eased 1.23% or 1.11 to 89.27 dollars a barrel.
In currencies, the euro was essentially flat against key peers. EUR/USD was unchanged, moving 0.05% to 1.16, and EUR/GBP was also steady, changing 0.08% to 0.86. The US Dollar Index Futures registered a modest decline of 0.07% to 99.78.
These moves left the domestic benchmark at a five-year closing high, with sector leadership drawn from financials, construction-related names and travel-linked equities. Price action among select large-cap and mid-cap stocks produced contrasting outcomes within that broad advance.
Below are the session's notable data points and market indicators that framed the close:
- Athens General Composite - up 1.05% to a five-year closing high.
- Top gainers: AEMr (+4.41% to 5.68), TITCr (+3.74% to 52.70), EURBr (+3.15% to 4.06).
- Largest decliners: IQTr (-5.02% to 7.19), ELHA (-3.07% to 4.57), BRIQr (-2.89% to 3.02).
- Breadth: 74 advancers, 43 decliners, 13 unchanged.
- Commodities: Gold Aug futures +2.17% to $4,203.37/oz; Crude Jul -1.30% to $86.57/bbl; Brent Aug -1.23% to $89.27/bbl.
- FX and rates: EUR/USD +0.05% to 1.16; EUR/GBP +0.08% to 0.86; US Dollar Index Futures -0.07% to 99.78.
Market participants will note the mixed backdrop in commodities and currency markets alongside an equity advance dominated by specific domestic sectors. The contrast between rising benchmark levels and uneven individual stock performance underscores the selective nature of the day's gains.