Athens stocks close modestly higher as miners and utilities lead gains

Greek equities ended the session in positive territory on Friday, with the benchmark Athens General Composite finishing up 0.17% at the close in Athens. Gains were concentrated in Construction, Travel and Technology stocks, which pushed the market higher overall.

The session's top gainer was Elvalhalcor Hellenic Copper and Aluminium Industry SA (AT:ELHA), which climbed 14.19% or 0.66 points to close at 5.31. Viohalco SA (AT:VIOH) also posted a significant advance, adding 9.11% or 1.75 points to finish at 20.95. Holding Company ADMIE IPTO SA (AT:ADMr) rose 5.36% or 0.24 points to end the day at 4.72, and the companys shares reached an all-time high in late trade.

On the downside, HELLENiQ ENERGY Holdings SA (AT:HEPr) was the weakest of the session, falling 2.10% or 0.23 points to trade at 10.74 at the close. Alumil (AT:ALMr) declined 1.61% or 0.09 points to finish at 5.50, while Ilyda SA Class R (AT:ILYr) slipped 1.55% or 0.08 points to 4.75.

Market breadth showed more advancing issues than decliners on the Athens Stock Exchange, with 67 rising stocks versus 44 falling and 26 remaining unchanged.

Commodities traded with mixed direction. Gold Futures for August delivery fell 1.95% or 82.83 to $4,163.07 a troy ounce. In the oil complex, crude oil for July delivery declined 0.47% or 0.36 to $76.24 a barrel, while the August Brent contract rose 0.33% or 0.26 to trade at $80.11 a barrel.

In currency markets, EUR/USD was unchanged, moving 0.08% to 1.15, and EUR/GBP was unchanged, moving 0.16% to 0.87. The US Dollar Index Futures ticked lower by 0.04% to 100.58.

Market snapshot

• Athens General Composite - up 0.17% at close.
• Top gainers: ELHA +14.19% (5.31), VIOH +9.11% (20.95), ADMr +5.36% (4.72).
• Largest decliners: HEPr -2.10% (10.74), ALMr -1.61% (5.50), ILYr -1.55% (4.75).
• Market breadth: 67 advancers, 44 decliners, 26 unchanged.
• Commodities: Gold -1.95% ($4,163.07), WTI July -0.47% ($76.24), Brent August +0.33% ($80.11).
• FX: EUR/USD +0.08% (1.15), EUR/GBP +0.16% (0.87), US Dollar Index Futures -0.04% (100.58).

Fridays close reflected selective strength in metals and utility-related names alongside mixed performance in energy and industrials. Volume and breadth figures show that more names advanced than fell, though a notable portion of the market moved lower by the close.