The Athens Stock Exchange’s (ATHEX) “big board” posted a noteworthy gain of 39.08% over the past year, with the general index closing at 1,293.14 points. The last session of the year on Friday witnessed an increase of the general index by 0.58%.

The Greek bourse’s performance was the third best since 1999 and among the best performers worldwide, essentially leaving behind more than a decade of economic crises and three institutional bailouts in the country.

The market’s capitalization increased by 22 billion euros, while the average daily turnover rose by 50%, whereas active investor codes surpassed 20,000.

Domiki Crete was ATHEX’s biggest gainer of the year, with a startling 309% increase in its share price, whereas VIS was the biggest loser with a 35%-decrease.

A total of three companies were listed on ATHEX during 2023: Optima Bank, Trade Estates and Orilina. Conversely, seven were delisted: Plaisio, Boutaris, Varagkis, AEGEK, Dionic, Elviemek and Elgeka.

Listed companies raised 2.04 billion euros through initial public offerings, share capital increases, floated bonds, dividend re-investments and private placements.

Greece’s systemic banks attracted investors’ attention over the year, with the bank index rising by 63.8% over the year. Share prices for the four banks also surged higher: Piraeus Bank 122%; National Bank of Greece 67%; Alpha Bank 53% and Eurobank 52%.