Economy
Industrial production up by 1.1 pct in Dec and 1 pct overall in 2018
Greece’s Industrial Production Index (IPI) grew year-on-year (YoY) by 1.1 percent in December from an upward revised figure of 4.2 percent in November, Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) data revealed on Friday.
Lenders fret over reform delays as Brussels revises 2019 growth forecast upwards to 2.2 pct
The institutions have put on record their concern about the delays from the Greek side regarding the implementation of the post-MoU reforms just as Athens pledged that it will be ready to legislate a new framework for the protection of primary residences by the end of the month.
Trade deficit grows by 5.1 pct in Dec, full-year increase comes to 1.1 pct
Greece’s trade deficit rose by 5.1 percent year-on-year (YoY) in December, falling slightly against the rise of 5.7 percent seen in November, data from the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) released on Thursday showed.
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.