Upbeat banks sent the Athens bourse higher on Wednesday, despite Europe’s losses. Developments in Middle East, corporate earnings, crude prices were closely monitored by traders. At home, volumes were thin, with long investors remaining sidelined for some time now. 

The general share index added 0.8% to close at 1178 points. Turnover amounted to 76 million euros. 

Banks registered aggregate profits of 2.3%, with Piraeus rising 3.9%, Eurobank +2.8%, NBG +1.7%, Alpha +1%. 

Away from financials, top gainers were Terna +3.6%, Helleniq Energy +2.7%.