With record-breaking capital raising, Euronext Athens concluded the first half of 2026 as one of the world’s top 10 stock exchanges — a milestone confirming the momentum built throughout 2025. The Greek market rose 15.99% over the six-month period, securing 10th place globally among stock exchanges. In the second quarter alone, the General Index surged 19.11%.
Outperforming Major Benchmarks
In June, Euronext Athens outperformed both the pan-European STOXX 600 and the U.S. S&P 500 indices. Over the quarter, it ranked among the top-performing developed-market exchanges. Only select Asian markets — notably South Korea and Japan — posted higher returns. The exchange also surpassed both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq during the period.
Six Years of Positive Returns — and Rising
Assuming no dramatic shifts in macroeconomic conditions, the Greek equity market is on track for its sixth consecutive year of positive returns — reaching a 17-year high. From late 2020 through the end of June 2026, the benchmark index has delivered cumulative gains of 204%.
Market capitalization has rebounded to levels last seen in 2008, rising by €35.825 billion to €182.078 billion. Average daily trading value stands near €344 million — the highest since 2008 and up sharply from €210 million in 2025.
Record Capital Raising in 2026
The most striking development is the unprecedented pace of capital formation. In the first six months of 2026, listed companies raised €5.92 billion through equity issuances. Completed or announced share capital increases now total €6.8 billion. Including bond issuances, the aggregate amount raised via Euronext Athens has reached €7.5 billion — surpassing the €2.5 billion raised across all of 2025, and nearing the previous five-year high of €7.9 billion set in 2021.
Greek Shipowners Return Home
After decades of listing primarily on U.S. exchanges like Nasdaq, Greek shipping companies are increasingly turning to Athens. Safe Bulkers became the first to list on Euronext Athens with a dual listing of its shares. Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp. followed by issuing a five-year €100 million bond through the Greek capital market.
Foreign Investor Interest Grows
Goldman Sachs has identified Euronext Athens as one of the most attractive markets for the second half of 2026. The firm has raised its target price for the General Index from 2,500 to 2,600 points, citing Greece’s favorable macroeconomic environment and strong banking sector outlook.