Stocks in Athens were higher in choppy trade at midday Thursday, with the general index visiting both territories during the session. Banks tried to claw back some of the recent lost ground. The ECB’s decision on the interest rate front is closely monitored. 

At 1334 local time, the general share index  was up 0.4% to 1230 points. Turnover was at around 42 million euros. Banks were up 1.3%, with Alpha gaining 2.5%. Eurobank, Piraeus and NBG were up slightly below 1%.  Also, PPC added 1.8%.