Economy
Unemployment rate drops again in Q3, reaching 22.6 pct
The Greek non-seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate fell again in the third quarter (Q3) of 2016 to 22.6 percent from 23.1 percent in Q2, Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) figures showed on Thursday.
Review talks continue in Athens in shadow of pension benefit row
Discussions between the Greek ministers and the institutions’ mission chiefs resumed on Wednesday in the wake of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) decision to put on hold the implementation of short-term debt relief measures until the institutions complete the examination of Greek government’s plan to pay out a bonus to pensioners.
Budget primary surplus to Nov reaches 7.4 bln on continued strong revenue performance
Greece’s budget primary surplus climbed to 7.45 billion euros in the 11-month period of 2016, up by 71.7 percent from last year’s figure of 4.34 billion, the Finance Ministry (MoF) preliminary budget execution bulletin revealed on Wednesday.
Greece and creditors feel their way into new round of talks in Athens
The third round of discussions between the institutions’ mission chiefs and Greek ministers in the context of the second programme review kicked off on Tuesday with an introductory meeting.
Eurosystem funding drops by 3.3 bln in Nov for 17th straight monthly fall
Greek banks’ Eurosystem funding fell by another 3.3 billion euros in November, after a broadly similar drop of 3.53 billion in October, Bank of Greece's (BoG) monthly financial statement showed on Tuesday.
Bill aims to encourage more electronic transactions in Greece
The Greek government tabled a multi-bill on Monday evening including the new frameworks for electronic transactions and undeclared income.
Building activity edged up 1 pct in September
Greek building permits grew for the third successive month in September but at a much slower pace of 1 percent from 16.6 percent in August, Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) data showed on Tuesday.
IMF sets out its stall as review deliberations resume in Athens
Following the statements made during a regular press briefing by the IMF spokesman Gerry Rice last Thursday ahead of the resumption of discussions between the institutions’ mission chiefs in Athens, the IMF sent a very strong message regarding the Greek programme on Monday evening.
Job departures at 37,667 in Nov, 11-month net hirings highest since 2001
The employment balance stayed negative in November 2016 with net departures rising to 37,667 from 24,674 in the corresponding period last year, data from the Labour Ministry’s Ergani information system showed on Monday.
Fiscal dispute dominates as Greece and lenders gear up for more talks
The institutions’ mission chiefs are expected to return to Athens early this week to begin a new round of discussions with the Greek authorities on the ground, aiming clinch a staff-level agreement on the second programme review.