The Athens Stock Exchange continues to accumulate forces, with investors engaging in selective positioning just before the first resistances of 1,440 units.

It is clear that sentiment in the Greek market remains subdued in the absence of substantial domestic catalysts. Besides, let's not forget that we are still in the middle of August, a traditionally "racy" month of the year.

On the other hand, improved sentiment abroad ahead of the Federal Reserve's first interest rate cut has significantly boosted the +7% since August 5's "Black Monday," which has allowed the X.A. to regain its footing.

Against this backdrop, the General Index is up a subtle 0.9% to 1,437.11 points, gaining just one point from Thursday's close (1,436.11 points).

The arc of daily fluctuations extends over three points (from 1,436.20 to 1,439.90 points), with a turnover of 5 million euros, of which 2.2 million euros are pre-agreed packages.

On the board, now, banks are showing small changes of less than 1%, with Piraeus trying to break its 4-day negative streak. Viohalco is up about 1% and is attempting to regain the 6 euro mark.

Piraeus shares are up +0.44% and 3.839 euros, NBG shares are up +0.29% and 8.176 euros, Alpha shares are trading +0.13% and 1.596 euros, while Eurobank shares follow at +0.05% and 2.091 euros.In the high-cap index (+0.08% and 3,499 points), Viohalco's share attempts to exceed 6 euros, gaining at least 0.8%.

Beyond that, Sarantis shares are up 1%, with Aegean and Motor Oil shares following at +0.5%. Conversely, EYDAP shares retreat to -0.9% and EUR 5.6.

As for the mid-cap index (-0.04% and 2,264 points), Intracom Holdings' shares stand out positively at +2.5% and 3.2 euros, while PPA's shares rise by 1%. On the opposite side, shares of Intrakat, Trade Estates, ADMIE, EXAE and Optima retreated by around 0.5%.