The Athens market also follows the pan-European trend, stabilising in negative territory after a sluggish start with marginal and prospect changes.

In particular, the General Index stands at 1,432.9 with a loss of 0.7% and with a turnover of 35 million euros, of which 7 million in 8 packages, while 7.3 million pieces have been traded.

All four systemic banks are moving downwards but at two speeds. NBG at 7.42 euros with -0.7% and a turnover of 10.5 million (5.3 million in 5 packages) and Piraeus at 3.84 euros with -0.7%.

Eurobank is under greater pressure, retreating to 2.01 euros at -2.3% and Alpha at 1.51 euros at -1.3%.

OTE is in second place in terms of turnover with 4 million euros, down 1.4% at 15.89 euros, following the tax fine on its Romanian subsidiary.

Metlen is fifth in trading value but with marginal changes at 33.9 euros and a generally narrow range (high at 34.14 and low at 33.78) while together with OPAP at 15.99 euros with +0.25% are the only two positive stocks in the FTSE.