Monday, May 2, 2011

Pressures On Greek Banks Drag ASE Down

Athens market moves in a declining mood on Monday, as the General Index declines towards 1,400 units, while the London Stock Exchange remains closed due to a holiday.

Banks’ fluctuation exceeds 4%, while Ellaktor, OPAP and PPC are the only shares to rise across FTSE20.

Transactions are still on low levels and investing interest reaches a minimum, said Guardian Trust Securities in a report, adding that the Greek markets (stock and bond) seem to be deleted from most of the investors’ planning.

Many shares are traded around their nominal value, without being considered an opportunity, according to Guardian. The Greek government bonds incorporated spreads that have recorded historical highs, but there is a mismatch with the BB- and B1 Greek debt ratings, said Guardian, which considers that the continued failures of Greece’s fiscal forecasts led the country to lose its credibility. 

The publication of financial results of domestic listed companies this week would improve the news flow, which has been focusing monotonously recently on the developments regarding fiscal figures and debt managements, commented Pegasus Securities.

Across the board, the General Index is at 1,415.32 units, down 1.35%, despite early profits of 0.94%. Turnover stands at just €25m, while a total amount of 70 shares decline, 47 rise and 41 remain unchanged.

Banks fall by 2.28% at 1,060.10 units. Only Geniki Bank rises, with profits of 1.59%, while Eurobank bears the heaviest pressures with 3.95%. Alpha Bank and Proton Bank decline by 3.55% and 3.51% respectively, while Hellenic Postbank, Marfin Popular Bankd, Attica Bank and ATEbank post losses of 3.10%, 2.44%, 2.30% and 2.17% respectively.




SOURCE: CAPITAL