Athens Stock Exchange: The shares that were sacrificed in the war - More than €10 billion 'burned'
The Athens Stock Exchange faced dramatic losses in the first week of March due to military conflict in the Middle East and rising energy prices, leading to a drop of €10 billion.
March's first week proved catastrophic for the Athens Stock Exchange as the military conflict in the Middle East and skyrocketing energy prices severely dampened investor sentiment. The General Index recorded cumulative losses of 6.8% from March 2 to March 6, equating to over €10 billion lost in market value. The losses could have been even more substantial had it not been for a brief recovery on Wednesday during that period.
High-capitalization stocks were under intense pressure, particularly after a prolonged rally in previous months and a sustained bull market. This situation made it easier for investors to decide to sell off stocks, reacting to a significant correction from historical or multi-year highs. Notably, Cenergy's stock was affected despite improved financial forecasts for 2025 and a higher dividend for the current year.
This turmoil in the Athens Stock Exchange reflects the vulnerability of financial markets to geopolitical tensions and energy price shocks. As investors grapple with uncertainty, the future of the Greek market could hinge on developments in the broader geopolitical landscape and their potential economic implications for the region.