Athens stock exchange
The Athens General Composite index has recently shown a strong performance, rising to a new 5-year high. Key sectors driving these gains include banking, construction, and travel. Notable performers include Quality and Reliability SA, Alter Ego Media SA, and Jumbo SA, with the latter also reaching all-time highs. However, some companies, such as Coca-Cola HBC AG and Metlen Energy & Metals AE, experienced declines.
A significant development in the Greek corporate landscape is the commencement of trading for METLEN Energy & Metals Plc (formerly Mytilineos Holdings) on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) as its primary listing venue, with a secondary listing on the Athens Exchange.
Global markets and geopolitics
Globally, markets are grappling with a mix of corporate news and ongoing geopolitical tensions. The U.S. stock market has seen volatility, influenced by President Donald Trump's new tariff threats on chip imports and other goods. While some stocks like Nvidia and Apple have shown resilience, the broader market has been cautious.
Geopolitical events, particularly those that impact global trade and supply chains, are a major source of uncertainty. Recent analysis suggests that while many military conflicts and political events have a short-term market impact, longer-term disruptions that affect economic fundamentals, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and trade disputes, tend to have a more significant and lasting effect.
Company news
A wave of corporate earnings reports has also been a key market driver. Uber's announcement of strong second-quarter results and a massive $20 billion stock buyback program has generated significant investor interest.