Economy
Budget primary surplus of 2.1 bln in 2-month on large underspend in Feb
The budget primary balance posted a surplus of 2.12 billion euros in the 2-month period of 2017, 25.6 percent lower than the respective figure of 2.85 billion in the corresponding period last year, the Finance Ministry’s (MoF) preliminary budget execution bulletin revealed on Tuesday.
With tax-free threshold set for change, income declarations underline need for rethink
One of the key issues still to be resolved in the ongoing negotiations between the Greek government and the institutions relates to the International Monetary Fund’s demand for a reduction in the tax-free threshold with the aim of securing additional revenues of 1 percent of GDP (1.8 billion euros) as of 2019.
Eurosystem funding down by 1.1 bln in Feb, ELA increases for first time since April
Greek banks’ Eurosystem funding headed south for the twentieth straight month in February, albeit at a slower pace by 1.13 billion, following a decrease by 3.61 billion in the previous month, the Bank of Greece's (BoG) monthly financial statement revealed on Monday.
Wages index edges up 0.2 pct in Q4, drops 2.5 pct from previous quarter
The seasonally adjusted (SA) Wages Index increased for the fifth straight quarter in Q4 2016, albeit only by 0.2 percent year on year (YoY) after rising by 1 percent in Q3, Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) figures showed on Monday.
Building activity rebounds 2.1 pct in Dec, falls 5.5 pct in 2016
Greek building permits rose by 2.1 percent in December after dropping by 1.4 percent in the previous month, Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) data revealed on Monday.
Multiple potential benefits await Greece if it can clinch QE eligibility
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If it manages to conclude the second review, Athens has its heart set on the inclusion of Greek government bonds (GGBs) in the European Central Bank’s quantitative easing (QE) programme, which requires the eurozone central bank to deem Greece’s debt sustainable.
Stocks dip by 0.2 pct, lack of trading activity continues
The Greek equity market traded in a relatively narrow range this week, when it slipped by 0.2 percent this week after a slight rebound of 0.7 percent in the previous week, amid light trading volumes.
Trade deficit soars in Jan on ship imports from non-EU countries
Greece’s trade deficit surged by 91.7 percent in January, following a rise of 4.8 percent in December, Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) data revealed on Friday.
Industrial production increases by 7.2 pct in January
The Greek Industrial Production Index (IPI) rose at an accelerating pace of 7.2 percent in January after an upward revised increase of 2.5 percent in December, Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) data showed on Friday.
Greece remains in inflation for second straight month after CPI rises 1.3 pct in Feb
Τhe Greek Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased at a slightly higher pace by 1.3 percent in February after rising by 1.2 percent in January, Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) data showed on Friday.