Economy
Paris talks mark start of Greece's most crucial troika review
The first round of the new review of Greece’s Economic Adjustment Program (EAP) is kicking off in Paris today and will last until September 4. The IMF spokesman has recently clarified that the aim of these meetings is to “discuss the way forward on the forthcoming review and is expected to be followed by the full mission to Athens in late September” for the full review.
Q2 GDP contraction at 0.3 pct, strong Q3 needed to achieve target of annual growth
Greek non-seasonally-adjusted GDP contracted 0.3 percent year on year (YoY) in the second quarter (Q2) of 2014 from -1.1 percent in Q1, according to the provisional data published by the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) today.
Greek PMI up to 50.1 in August, employment and profitability still falling
Greece’s Manufacturing PMI resumed an upward trend for the first time since April, rising by 1.4 points to 50.1 in August from 48.7 in July, according to Markit. This was the first reading above the 50-point mark - which separates growth from contraction - since May.
Piraeus Bank reports net profit of 164.3 mln in Q2
Piraeus Bank reported net profit of 164.3 million euros in Q2 from a loss of 246.6 million in Q1.
Eurobank reports net loss of 301.1 mln in Q2
Eurobank reported a net loss of 301.1 million euros in the second quarter (Q2) from 207.4 million in Q1.
Small but rare rise of 0.4 pct for Greek retail turnover in June
The turnover of Greece’s retail trade index rebounded 0.4 percent year on year (YoY) in June after falling by a revised 8.3 percent in May, according to the Hellenic Statistical Agency (ELSTAT).
National Bank reports 1.15 bln H1 profit on back of 1 bln deferred tax
National Bank’s reported net profit reached 1.15 billion euros in the first half (H1) of the year, from 343 million last year. It was the second Greek bank after Alpha, which released Q1 results on August 28.
Alpha Bank reports H1 profits of 267.4 mln on one-off item
Alpha Bank reported first half (H1) net profit of 267.4 million euros from 3.41 billion last year. The figures are not comparable since the former incorporates deferred tax asset (DTA) of 422 million and the latter the negative goodwill from Emporiki transaction of 3.28 billion and several other one-off items.
Rate of credit contraction rises to 3.7 pct in July, balances fall
The rate of drop in Greek credit to the private sector accelerated to 3.7 percent in July from 3.5 percent in June, according to the Bank of Greece (BoG). Balances fell to 213.86 billion euros in July from 214.81 billion a month ago.
Greek deposits inch up in July, reaching 163.22 bln
Greek private sector deposits increased by 0.1 percent month on month (MoM) in July, the fifth successive monthly rise, with balances reaching 163.22 billion euros, according to the Bank of Greece (BoG).