Friday’s trading session (24 July 2026) opened positively on the Euronext Athens exchange, with the benchmark General Index rising 1.26% to 2,485.34 points shortly after 11:45 a.m. Investors remained cautious amid escalating tensions in the Middle East following renewed hostilities — developments that have dampened sentiment and pushed oil prices higher.
Top Gainers and Losers in Athens
Among large-cap stocks, EYDAP, Elvalhalcor, CrediaBank, Optima Bank, and Ethniki Insurance posted the strongest gains. In contrast, Viohalco and Metlen saw declines. Overall, 57 stocks advanced, 11 fell, and nine held steady.
European Markets Edge Higher
Major European indices traded in positive territory with modest gains. The pan-European Stoxx 600 rose 0.34% to 641.32 points. London’s FTSE 100 gained 0.37% to 10,670, while Germany’s DAX climbed 0.59% to 24,098. France’s CAC 40 added 0.15% to 8,447. Italy’s FTSE MIB rose 0.42% to 52,563, and Spain’s IBEX 35 surged 1.03% to 19,577.
Earnings Focus and Global Concerns
Market sentiment appeared cautiously optimistic, partly influenced by Thursday’s Wall Street session and second-quarter earnings releases from Alphabet and Tesla — two key members of the ‘Big Tech’ group. Neither report delivered significant positive surprises. Meanwhile, investors remain on edge over the widening conflict in Iran, which continues to fuel volatility in global energy markets and broader economic uncertainty.