RECORD AT THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE

RECORD AT THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE

A few days ago, the Athens Stock Exchange closed at 2,207 points. The highest level since 2010. Market capitalization exceeded €151 billion, while daily turnover surged to nearly €600 million. These are levels we have not seen in more than 15 years.

The Greek market is finally returning to the center of international investor interest. And this is no coincidence. JP Morgan estimates that Greece’s inclusion in the Stoxx developed markets index in 2026 could bring close to $1 billion in passive capital inflows. At the same time, Deutsche Bank highlights Greek banks, upgrades price targets, and expects an expansion of the international investor base in Greece over the coming years.

And these are not just forecasts. The banking index has already risen by more than 9 percent since the start of the year, confirming the prevailing optimism.

OUTLOOK

The country’s economy continues to show remarkable resilience, despite international challenges and rising pressures. The year 2025 closed with growth close to 2 percent, outperforming the euro area average, confirming the durability of the Greek economy.

Although private consumption showed signs of fatigue, mainly due to inflation and reduced purchasing power, exports of goods and services exceeded 40 percent of GDP. Greece is becoming increasingly outward oriented, which shields it from shocks related to domestic demand and monetary policy.

Small and medium sized enterprises, which employ around 80 percent of the private sector workforce, are called this year to take the next step. Modernization with an emphasis on digitalization, adoption of new technologies, improved internal organization, and above all the upgrading of employee skills. Any entrepreneur who invests in people and tools in 2026 will have a clear advantage over the competition.

Even manufacturing, which contributes around 9 percent of GDP, a share lower than the European average, is adapting to a new environment of challenges and opportunities. Instead of mass expansion, investments in 2026 focus on upgrading production lines, reducing energy costs, sustainability, and improving competitiveness through technology and innovation. It is a race to boost productivity in an environment of higher wage demands, stricter regulations, and more expensive borrowing. At the same time, it is a huge opportunity for those who adapt first.

TOURISM

Amid this broader economic reshaping, one sector continues to lead growth. Tourism.

According to USTOA, Greece is once again among the top five destinations for American travelers in 2026, alongside Italy, France, Japan, and Portugal. And this is not just tourism. It is luxury travel, experience driven trips, wellness, and leisure.

According to a study by Classic Vacation, more than 70 percent of professionals expect an increase in average spending per trip, while luxury travel continues to gain ground.

In addition, air connections with the United States are multiplying. American Airlines is launching new direct flights from Athens to Dallas starting in May, Delta is planning year round routes, and United is strengthening its services with larger aircraft.