Athens Stock Exchange Opens with Marginal 0.05% Rise Amid European Market Decline

The Athens Stock Exchange (ASE) witnessed marginal gains at the start of trading today (May 19, 2025), recording a 0.05% increase while European markets experienced declines. The ASE General Index settled at 1,804.93 points, marking a slight rise amidst stabilization near its highest levels in the past 15 years, around the 1,800 mark. Trading value reached €21.39 million. The high-capitalization index increased by 0.13%, and the mid-capitalization index edged up by 0.08%. Among high-capitalization shares, Gek Terna (+2.36%), Coca-Cola HBC (+0.87%), National Bank (+0.49%), and Lamda Development (+0.46%) showed the most significant increases. Conversely, Jumbo (-1.25%), DEH (-0.87%), and Sarantis (-0.86%) faced the largest declines. Overall, 45 stocks rose, 35 fell, and 19 remained stable. MIG (+6.11%) and Minerva (+5.59%) led the gains, while Iatriko (-6.03%) and Pairis (-3.61%) saw the steepest drops. European markets opened lower due to Moody’s downgrade of U.S. debt and weaker-than-expected Chinese retail sales data, affecting market sentiment negatively. The pan-European STOXX 600 index fell by 0.5% at 10:25 AM Greek time, retreating from seven-week highs. Wall Street futures dropped over 1%, and U.S. Treasury yields rose after Moody’s downgraded U.S. credit from Aaa to Aa1, citing rising U.S. debt and federal budget costs. Luxury goods companies’ shares also declined following revised lower retail sales estimates in China.