The Athens Stock Exchange managed to finish at the highest levels of the day and of the last 14 years, with buyers maintaining the "reins" for the 3rd consecutive session.

Thus, in the fourth session of the week, the General Index recorded a slight increase of +0.30% to 1,550.72 points, gaining about five points compared to Wednesday's close (1,546.03 points).

The arc of daily fluctuations was fixed at 15 points (from 1,535.35 to 1,550.80 points), with a turnover of 109.5 million euros, of which 8.2 million euros related to pre-agreed packages. 

The banking index, which gained more than +10% in January, continued to accumulate strength at 9-year highs, closing +0.19% and 1,425 points.

Eurobank shares gained +0.33% and 2.438 euros; Alpha shares were unchanged at 1.81 euros; Piraeus shares ended steady at 4.45 euros, while NBG shares fell imperceptibly to -0.05% and 8.386 euros.

In the high-cap index (+0.26% and 3,787 points), Cenergy's shares rebounded strongly to +2.2% and 9.60 euros, with Coca Cola, Viohalco, Sarantis, AIA and Motor Oil following around +1%. At the same time, Optima Bank shares soared +3.2% to a record high of EUR 13.4, while PPC shares continued at a 15-year high of EUR 13.2 (+0.6%). The shares of Ellaktor, which today approved a capital repayment of 0.85 euros, were up +0.44% and 2.2 euros. On the opposite side, OPAP's shares retreated -1.6% to 16.5 euros, "braking" the march towards the "peaks" of 17 euros.

As for the mid-cap index (-0.09% and 2,466 points), PPA shares corrected from their historical highs, sliding -2.5% and 30.1 euros. Lavipharm and Autohellas shares followed at -1.5% and -1.2%, respectively. In contrast, Ideal's shares rose +1.3% and EUR 6.1, while Kri Kri's shares expanded +1.6% and EUR 15.8. Special mention should also be made of the "small" Attica Publications - Bitros, which soared by almost +10%, with the former continuing this year's frenetic rally and the latter receiving a boost from the decision to "cut" loans.