Piraeus Bank Group chairman Mihalis Sallas on Wednesday announced his decision to retire as chairman of the board after 25 years.

A timely completion of the first review of the Greek programme and a dynamic implementation of a privatization programme, combined with a new development law by the government will help the economy to respond positively later this year and to return to positive growth rates in the second half of 2016, Mihalis Sallas, chairman of Piraeus Bank said on Tuesday.

Most Greek stocks began this week with earnings, however trading volumes were minimal, as investors are cautious under the nation's current political climate.