Economy
Primary surplus confirmed at 3.34 bln in Dec, misses annual target by 367 mln
The budget primary balance was confirmed at a surplus of 3.34 billion euros in 2018, according to the final budget execution bulletin for December published by the Finance Ministry (MoF) on Friday.
Institutions wrap up talks with focus on NPLs, primary residences and budget
Discussions between the Greek government and the institutions were due to draw to a close on Thursday, leaving Athens with 2-3 weeks to complete the 16 reforms that are pending as part of the second review of the post-programme era.
Disposable income rises by 4.1 pct YoY in Q3, final consumption grows 1.8 pct
Greek household disposable income grew by 4.1 percent year-on-year (YoY) in the third quarter (Q3) of 2018, growing from the rise of 3.3 percent noted in the previous quarter, according to Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) data released on Thursday.
Pension outlay still falling, 40.4 pct of main monthly payments below 500 euros
The Labour Ministry's Computer Centre for Social Security Services (IDIKA) most recent report from the Unified System of Control and Pension Payments (ILIOS), which estimates pension payments on a monthly basis, showed that a total of 4.5 million pensions were paid in September 2018.
Minimum wage increase set for end of January amid concerns about economic impact
Greece’s Labour Ministry is moving ahead with plans to increase the country’s minimum wage between 5 and 10 percent amid calls for caution over such measures.
Travel balance rises by 73.5 pct in Nov, 9.7 pct in aggregate period
Greece’s travel balance grew by 73.5 percent in November following a rise of 21.4 percent in October, Bank of Greece (BoG) data has shown.
December hirings balance positive by 5,970 with annual balance for 2018 up by 141,003 places
The employment balance moved back into positive territory in December after two negative months with 5,970 more hirings than departures, according to data from the Labour Ministry’s Ergani information system.
November current account deficit at 1.41 bln as import value outstrips exports
Greece’s current account (C/A) balance recorded a deficit 1.41 billion euros in November compared to a deficit of 871.3 million in October, Bank of Greece (BoG) figures showed on Monday.
Second post-MoU review set to begin as Athens eyes return to bond markets
The second review of the enhanced surveillance period is due to get underway in earnest on Tuesday, when the institutions’ mission chiefs are expected to hold their first meeting of the year in Athens with government officials.
S&P keeps B+ rating and positive outlook, stresses factors for stronger growth
Standard and Poor’s opened the credit rating review cycle of the new year for Greece by affirming its ‘B+’ rating, which it granted in June of last year following the Eurogroup decisions for additional debt relief that essentially marked the successful completion of the country’s third adjustment programme.