Athens Stock Exchange Plunges 2.3% Amid Middle East Tensions

The Greek stock market returned to negative territory, with the General Index falling by 2.3% to close at 2,122.60 points on Friday (March 6). The first week of March ended with losses of 6.81%.

Banks and energy-intensive companies experienced the strongest pressures, while refinery stocks strengthened due to rising oil prices.

Market uncertainty remains due to developments in the Middle East and concerns about oil prices. The US decision to grant a temporary exemption to India for the supply of Russian oil provided temporary relief, but Qatar's warning of a possible halt to oil and gas exports from the Persian Gulf raised prices again.

Meanwhile, all eyes are on DBRS, which is starting the cycle of evaluations for the Greek economy.

In international markets, the escalation of the conflict in Iran and rising oil prices are fueling concerns about inflation. European stock exchanges also recorded losses.