Economy
Athens presents growth plan outline as lenders continue to differ on debt relief
A meeting of the Eurogroup Working Group (EWG) on Thursday gave the Greek government a first opportunity to hear feedback on its growth strategy and get an idea of the lenders’ thoughts on debt relief.
Building activity up by 18 pct in Jan, permits dip below 1,000-mark
Building permits rose by 18 percent in January compared to a decrease of 6.7 percent in the previous month, Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) data released on Thursday showed.
Unemployment rate at 20.6 pct in Jan, inactive population rises
Greece’s seasonally adjusted (SA) unemployment rate came to 20.6 percent in January, edging slightly down from December’s figure of 20.8 percent, Hellenic Statistical Authority’s (ELSTAT) data showed on Thursday.
ECB report highlights sluggish Greek economic growth
The annual report of the European Central Bank (ECB) showed that Greece had the lowest rate of growth among Eurozone countries in 2017, with 1.4 percent growth compared to the average of 2.3 percent.
Greek hourly labour costs less than half of eurozone average
New figures from Eurostat have shown vast discrepancies between hourly labour costs across the European Union’s member states and the eurozone in general.
Prior actions and crucial meetings dominate agenda for rest of month
The pressure is back on the Greek government following the Easter break as it is thought that around 75 prior actions have to be completed in the coming weeks.
Industrial production falls by 2 pct in February
Greece’s Industrial Production Index (IPI) declined by 2 percent in February after a 1.2 percent fall in January, Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) data revealed on Thursday.
Much ground to cover on prior actions despite privatisation progress
This week’s report in German newspaper Handelsblatt concerning some of the debt relief proposals that are being put together ahead of more discussions this month have rekindled interest in the subject in Greece despite progress in the fourth review still appearing limited.
Rising exports drive 16.6 pct contraction of February trade deficit
Greece’s trade deficit fell by 16.6 percent in February, shrinking further compared to January’s decline of 14.8 percent, according to data from the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) released on Thursday.
Job hirings outpace departures by 55,494 in March
The employment balance strengthened in March as hirings outpaced departures by 55,494, data from the Labour Ministry’s Ergani information system revealed.