Athens Avenue made the most of the euphoric climate prevailing in the international markets and completed its comeback in positive territory in April, after the hammering it took at the beginning of this month. The General Index returned above 1,700 points for the first time in three weeks, remaining strongly bullish for the second consecutive day.

Specifically, in Wednesday’s (23/4) session, the GC gained 32.34 points or +1.93% to close at 1,704.47 points, hovering between 1,689.15 (low of the day) and 1,704.49 (high of the day). Over the last two days, the index has recorded a +3.79% rise, thus “turning” positive in April (+1.14%). This year’s return is +15.98%. From the negative record of 1,455.08 points (April 7), it has “climbed” by +17.14% and is now -2.6% away from the 15-year high of 1,749.90 points (March 28).

Banks provided a strong boost again, with the sector index climbing above 1,600 points, with gains of more than +2%. However, today Metlen’s share “shone”, which recorded a +4% jump and was above EUR 44, which is a new historical record. Tomorrow, Thursday 24 April, the listed company will announce its first quarter financial results (in line with FTSE 100 standards), before the opening of the trading session on the HA. A few days later (Monday 28 April) the Capital Markets Day will take place, where two big surprises will await shareholders. In addition, Metlen has entered into an agreement with Glenfarne for a mega-hybrid renewable energy project in Chile.

On the other hand, Athens International Airport (AIA) retreated by -7% to the edge of EUR 9, as it traded today without the dividend entitlement of EUR 0.78 per share. Yesterday, shareholders locked in their positions for the dividend of EUR 0.7862 per share (i.e., they have the right to reinvest EUR 0.33), with the payout scheduled for today and payment scheduled for May 16. The option, i.e., the right of shareholders to choose the amount of their reinvestment, will be exercised until 8 May.

The Bank of Greece also “cut” a dividend, with the amount amount amounting to EUR 0.67 per share. The payment for the CBE will be made on April 30.

The payment will be made at the rate of 30.30 euros per share.
Rally in international markets after Trump’s double retreat

Buyers have the upper hand overseas today as optimism grows for successful negotiations on the US-imposed tariff front, changing the stance in the trade war it has opened with China. At the same time, concerns about the independence of the Federal Reserve are also dampened, as Donald Trump made it clear that he will not try to… take out Jerome Powell.

Wall Street’s major indices gained more than +2% yesterday. The Dow Jones “jumped” over 1,000 points, covering the extensive losses from Monday’s sell off. The gradual easing of tensions is bringing buyers to the forefront, especially after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessend admitted that a trade war with China is not sustainable. The major indices are rallying again today after Donald Trump’s statement that he has no intention of removing Jerome Powell from the Fed’s “helm”. The Dow Jones and S&P 500 are up at least +2%, while the Nasdaq is higher by +3.5%.

Euromarkets benefit from the double boost with the US administration’s “steps” back on the US-China trade dispute and the Trump-Powell standoff. The pan-European Stoxx 600 index is up +1.8% to trade at 517 points. The French CAC 40 moves higher by +2.5% and the German DAX “jumps” by +2.9%. Asian markets recorded a strong rise, with Japan’s Nikkei index gaining +1.9% and the Hang Seng in Hong Kong moving higher by +2.4%.