Stocks extended their gains in midday trade, as investors search for buying opportunities. Analysts argued that stocks deserved “an oversold bounce”. Moreover, the IMF estimates that Greece’s fiscal shape will improve next years amid rising primary surpluses and significant  drop of public debt. European stock markets were mixed. 

At 1452 local time, the general share index rose 0.9% to 1168 points. 

Notable movers were Cenergy +3.7%, Titan +3%, Aegean +3%. In contrast, OTE fell 1.5%. 

Refiners were strong, with Motor Oil gaining 2.7%, Helleniq Energy +1.9%. 

Banks were mixed, with Alpha rising 1.5%, Eurobank losing 0.2%.