Trading at the Euronext Athens exchange opened on a negative note, with investors unwinding gains amid growing concerns over escalating tensions in the Middle East — particularly the deteriorating prospects for a U.S.-Iran nuclear deal. The Athens General Index opened below 2,500 points, shedding more than 1.5%.
Market Movement in Athens
Among large-cap stocks, Motor Oil and Hellenic Petroleum posted gains, while Coca-Cola HBC, Mytilineos (Metlen), Titan Cement, and Piraeus Bank registered the steepest declines. Overall, 19 stocks rose, 61 fell, and 11 remained unchanged.
European Markets Follow Suit
Broader European equity markets also opened lower, reflecting heightened geopolitical risk following renewed instability in Iran. The pan-European Stoxx 600 index fell 1.33% to 641.26 points. Germany’s DAX dropped 1.75%, France’s CAC 40 declined 1.55%, the UK’s FTSE 100 fell 1.17%, Italy’s FTSE MIB slid 1.15%, and Spain’s IBEX 35 tumbled 2.09%.