Bank losses dragged the broader market lower at midday, in high volatility. Nervousness among investors is obvious, as sentiment falters. Europe was slightly higher as U.S, Treasury yields retreated late Wednesday.

At 1445 local time, the general share index shed 0.4% to 1165 points. Banks were down 1.6%, with Eurobank losing 2.7%, Alpha. -1.5%, Piraeus -1.2%, NBG -1.1%. 

Some gains among heavyweights offset partly the losses of banks. Mytilineos added 1.6%, OPAP +1.4%, OTE +1%. In contrast, Cenergy dropped 4%, Aegean -2.8%.