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Athens News Agency: News in English, 08-12-31
CONTENTS
[01] New Year's message by PM Karamanlis
[02] Greek stocks end 2008 1.18% down
[01] New Year's message by PM Karamanlis
Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis underlined in his New Year message
that the Greek people will prove once again that they are able to face
major challenges with unity and solidarity. The prime minister pointed
out that 2009 will be a very difficult year for humanity, considering
that all countries are experiencing the consequences of the worst
post-war international economic crisis. "Uncertainty and heightened
concern dominate a Europe faced with economic slowdown and rising
unemployment. The consequences are being apparent in our country as
well but nonetheless our economy is proved more resilient compared to
other countries thanks to the reforms implemented in recent years.
Deficits were reduced, unemployment was limited and economic liquidity
was safeguarded through swift interventions," the prime minister
stressed. PM Karamanlis called on all political powers to display a
measure of responsibility, stressing that the government's will is not
enough in such crucial times. He underlined that "irresponsible
populism should be cast aside, extreme groups resorting to catastrophic
violence be isolated, while attitudes that work against the dynamism of
the economy, social cohesion and the essence of our democracy should be
set aside." "We are determined to continue with steady steps and new
momentum the implementation of reforms that are necessary to turn the
international challenge into an opportunity to have the future we all
aspire to create," the prime minister concluded.
[02] Greek stocks end 2008 1.18% down
Greek stocks ended lower in the last trading session of 2008, unable to
maintain early gains as sellers took the upper hand of the market in
the last hour of trading. The composite index of the Athens Stock
Exchange fell 1.18 pct to end at 1,786.51 points, with turnover a low
87.2 million euros, of which 9.9 million euros were block trades.
Most sectors moved lower, with the Media (4.57 pct), Travel (4.10 pct)
and Utilities (2.36 pct) suffering the heaviest percentage losses while
Healthcare (7.22 pct), Insurance (2.45 pct) and Commerce (2.33 pct)
scored gains.
The FTSE 20 index fell 1.58 pct, the FTSE 40 index ended 0.01 pct up
and the FTSE 80 index eased 0.43 pct. Broadly, advancers led decliners
by 109 to 93 with another 62 issues unchanged.
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