Greek stock exchange to trade Bulgarian equity derivatives

ATHENS- Hellenic Exchanges EXCr.AT , the operator of Greece's stock and derivatives markets, said on Tuesday it signed a framework agreement with Bulgaria's stock exchange (BSE) to trade, clear and settle Bulgarian derivatives.

The agreement includes the launch of single stock futures on selected stocks traded on the Bulgarian bourse and index futures on the main BSE index SOFIX.

Derivatives can be utilised to hedge portfolio risk or to speculate on market movements.

The plan is for the products to trade on the derivative market of the Athens stock exchange with clearing to be provided by ATHEXClear. The instruments will be traded and cleared in euros.

(Reporting by George Georgiopoulos; Editing by Alex Richardson) ((george.georgiopoulos@thomsonreuters.com; +30210 337 6437; Reuters Messaging: george.georgiopoulos.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))