Economy
Trade deficit soared 27.4 pct in Sept, down 13.6 pct for year
Greece’s trade deficit soared 27.4 percent to 1.63 billion euros in September, while the respective 9-month figure retreated 13.6 percent to 14.47 billion, according to the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT).
With troika OK pending, 2014 budget sees primary surplus at 1.6 pct of GDP
The Finance Ministry tabled on Thursday the 2014 budget to Parliament without the final approval of the troika since discussions between the two sides on next year’s fiscal gap and other matters have not yet been concluded.
Greek banks’ reliance on Eurosystem fell by 2.36 bln in October
Greek banks’ Eurosystem funding, the combined liquidity they have received from the European Central Bank (ECB) and the Bank of Greece (BoG) Emergency Liquidity Assistance (ELA) mechanism, dropped by another 2.36 billion euros in October, according to the Bank of Greece’s (BoG) monthly financial statement.
C/A surplus for fifth straight month in Sept, up to 2.55 billion euros for year
The September current account (C/A) balance showed a surplus for the fifth straight month at 964 million euros from 895 million last year, according to Bank of Greece (BoG).
Industrial turnover index falls 8 pct in September, new orders also down
The Turnover Index in Industry dropped 8 percent in September, while New Orders Index in Industry also fell by 0.9 percent, according to the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT).
Apartment prices down 9.2 pct in Q3 as lifting of foreclosure ban mulled
Apartment prices in the Greek market fell by 9.2 percent in Q3 at a slightly decelerating pace compared to Q2 performance (-11.8 percent), according to the Bank of Greece (BoG).
Cash deficit to October widens to 9.1 billion euros
The central government net balance to October on a cash basis showed the deficit widening by 34 percent to 9.08 billion euros from 6.78 billion last year, according to the Bank of Greece (BoG).
Unemployment rate remained unchanged at 27.3 pct in August
The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in August stayed flat at 27.3 percent, following a downward revision by 0.3 percentage points of the previously announced July rate of 27.6 percent, according to data released by the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT).
October revenues reverse earlier shortfall, annual primary surplus in sight
The budget execution to October showed revenues beating monthly targets by 761 million euros for the fourth straight month. Furthermore, the year to date previous revenue shortfall, which peaked to 1.61 billion euros at the end of June, turned to a small surplus of 51 million at the end of October for the first time so far in 2013.
Greece’s building activity remained in deep red for August
Greek building activity (measured by the number of building permits) dropped by 10.5 percent in August with the respective surface figure easing 21.1 percent, while volume retreated 31.0 percent, according to the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT).