Athens stock market rises on strong bank buying

Trading was solid, with turnover at about 332 million euros and volume of 47.67 million shares. More than half of that cash flowed through the three biggest lenders — National Bank, Eurobank and Piraeus — which together absorbed 167.95 million euros. That concentration tells you where investors still want exposure: Greek financials remain the core trade, both because they are liquid and because they tend to benefit most when confidence in domestic growth and credit conditions improves.

The day’s gain also had the look of a technically important move. The General Index finished exactly at the session high after early weakness, while the broad market showed 79 advancers against 37 decliners. In market terms, that is the kind of close that can encourage follow-through buying, especially after a second straight positive session and a push back above the 2,640 level. The next test now sits near 2,650.

Among individual stocks, CrediaBank rose 4.87%, Alpha Bank added 3.99% and Piraeus climbed 3.29%, while ElvalHalcor, EYDAP, Optima bank, Cenergy and PPC also posted firm gains. On the losing side, Motor Oil fell 3.53% and HELLENiQ Energy lost 2.97%, with Allwyn and OTE also weaker. Allwyn’s decline was partly tied to its ex-dividend adjustment, a reminder that not every red print reflects deteriorating fundamentals.

For investors, the message is straightforward: Athens is still being led by financials, and when banks are strong, the market’s earnings momentum tends to look better than the headline index alone suggests. The risks remain familiar — higher oil prices, European bond yields and a less friendly global backdrop can quickly test sentiment — but the burden of proof has shifted back to the bulls. If bank inflows continue and turnover stays healthy, this rally has a better chance of lasting than a typical oversold bounce. Worth watching for longer-term investors.