Economy
Unemployment rate at 18.5 pct in Nov as jobless drop below 900,000
Greece’s seasonally adjusted (SA) unemployment rate stayed under 19 percent for a fourth consecutive month in November and came to 18.5 percent from a slightly upward revision of 18.7 percent in October, Hellenic Statistical Authority’s (ELSTAT) data showed on Thursday.
PPC lignite unit bids fall flat in blow to privatisations
The Public Power Corporation’s (PPC) divestment of 40 percent of its lignite capacity has hit an obstacle as it emerged that the bid process for two lignite units had attracted very little interest.
BoG and HFSF schemes under scrutiny as banks look for a way forward on bad loans
Banks continue to make progress on reducing their bad loans, with the Bank of Greece (BoG) presenting its strategy for reducing bad loans to the European Commission at the end of last week.
General govt primary cash surplus at 5.63 bln in Dec, arrears fall by 536 mln but miss target
Greece’s general government (gg) primary cash surplus came to 5.63 billion euros across 2018, down by 593 million euros compared to 2017 according to the Finance Ministry’s (MoF) monthly gg bulletin.
Study casts light on unusual export profile, identifies areas for improvement
A study by the Dianeosis thinktank has shown that Greece’s export sector is hampered by public administration, structural barriers and introversion, and recommended several measures for both policy-makers and businesses.
Second post-MoU review hinges on NPL plan and protection for primary residences
An uncomfortable Euro Working Group meeting last week has left Athens with much to do in the coming days as it seeks to obtain the green light for the disbursement of the ANFA and SMP bond profits in March.
Details of bond issue give Athens boost in bid to establish market access
Greece’s Public Debt Management Agency (PDMA) issued on Friday night the details of the first bond issuance since the country exited its third adjustment programme in August 2018.
PMI at 53.7 in Jan as manufacturers remain confident for year ahead
Greece’s manufacturing PMI edged down slight to 53.7 points in January from 53.8 points in December, staying over the 50-mark threshold for 20 consecutive months.
FDI, rather than tax cuts, holds key to stronger growth rates - study
A study by IHS Markit which analysed the various growth policies and factors that could contribute to Greece’s future long-term economic growth found that raising foreign direct investment (FDI) is the most vital element.
Retail turnover up by 4 pct in Nov, volume rises by 3.2 pct
Greece’s retail sales index rose by 4 percent in November against a slightly downward revised fall of 2.3 percent in October, Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) data showed on Thursday.