Athens Stock Exchange holds above 2,600

The move came after a 1.2% jump on Friday and mirrored losses across major European markets, where renewed political and social tensions in France and weaker risk appetite pushed benchmark indexes down more than 1%. Brent crude, after approaching $110 a barrel, slipped back toward $108, adding to the cautious tone.

For Athens, the main near-term driver remains external sentiment rather than domestic catalysts. Bank shares continue to act as the market’s barometer, while blue chips will determine whether the index simply consolidates or extends the pullback.

This week’s calendar is packed enough to keep traders engaged. Alpha Bank listed 140,300 new shares from stock options exercised by 36 executives, Capital Maritime Finance begins trading on Tuesday after raising 300 million euros in a deal that drew about 1.1 billion euros of demand, and Fourlis will hold an investor day on its new retail strategy after restructuring its store network.

Wednesday brings Papoutsanis’ nine-month and third-quarter results, while Allwyn trades ex-dividend for a 0.20-euro interim payout. The week’s key macro event arrives Friday, when S&P publishes its second and final scheduled review of Greece this year, with the country rated BBB, the second rung of investment grade.

For investors, the immediate question is whether the index can absorb profit taking without losing the 2,600 line, or whether weaker European markets and low trading volume trigger a deeper correction. The answer will likely come from banks, the new listings pipeline and the tone of Greece’s rating cycle later in the week.