Bourse secures significant weekly gains

Bourse secures significant weekly gains The Greek bourse climbed to a new five-month high on Friday as domestic and international developments in the previous 24 hours appear to have convinced the market that the risks are fading and Greece can remain part of a euro that is growing stronger. The Athens Exchange (ATHEX) general index ended at 693.49 points, up 2.14 percent on Thursday’s closing figure of 678.96 points, and 7.22 percent on the previous Friday. The blue chip FTSE/ATHEX 20 index expanded 2.73 percent to close at 251.77 points. The news that the government has lifted state ownership thresholds for companies to be privatized saw Public Power Corporation soar 12.03 percent. In total, 97 stocks secured gains, 43 suffered losses and 19 remained unchanged. Turnover amounted to 49.4 million euros, from 41.8 million on Thursday. ekathimerini.com , Friday September 7, 2012 (21:44)