Part of that rise reflected a tax credit available to local investors participating in an earlier buyback that expires Thursday.
Much of the attention at Monday's meeting will focus on Mr. Stournaras, the Greek finance minister, who is expected to make a detailed presentation to the group after announcing plans for the buyback earlier in the day in Athens.
The stock's recent price weakness will enable the company to complete its buyback program early and more cheaply.
Intercontinental Hotels added 34p to £12.83, Imperial Tobacco was 55p better at £22.12 after announcing an earlier than expected £500m buyback and G4S has climbed 4.9p to 278.5p.
Chang's saw shares rise earlier in the week on an upgrade, while Brinker International, parent to Chili's and Maggiano's Little Italy, announced a share buyback program earlier in the week.
Earlier headlines Shell Pleases With Share Buyback, Strong Q1 China Temporarily Bans Loans By Some Small Banks Aventis Reports Q1 Net Up 15% AstraZeneca Q1 Profits Slide On Tough Comparison Goodrich Q1 Profit Jumps 56% LG.Philips LCD Plans $1B Flat-Screen IPO.
In the early 1980s IBM began a big buyback program.
On the one hand, there are potential positive stock catalysts for early 2007, including a larger stock buyback program.
Earlier headlines IBM Ups Dividend, OKs $3.5B Buyback GM Sets U.S. Rebates, Drops Zero-Percent Loans Estee Lauder Hurt By Slump In Duty-Free Sales Aeropostale Sets IPO: 12.5 Million Shares, $15-$15-$17h.
Bankers involved in the transaction say it is too early for Greece to declare victory in the buyback.
