Economy
Capital controls trigger big rise in card use and VAT revenues, Bank of Greece data shows
The significant increase in the use of debit and credit cards after the imposition of capital controls in July 2015 is having a positive impact on VAT revenues by improving collectability, the Bank of Greece (BoG) concludes in its interim monetary policy report published last Friday.
Primary cash surplus to Nov at 3.6 bln, including arrears repayment of 3.4 bln
Greece’s central government primary cash surplus dropped to 3.58 billion euros in the 11-month period of 2016 from 4.48 billion in the corresponding period last year ago, Bank of Greece (BoG) figures showed on Monday.
Bank of Greece study finds one in six local firms is strategic defaulter
In a separate section of the interim Monetary Policy Report published on Friday, the Bank of Greece (BoG) discussed the issue of corporate strategic defaulters i.e. companies that have stopped servicing their loans despite having the ability to make the payments.
Greek stocks end week flat as Friday’s strong rebound erased earlier losses
The Greek equity market moved sideways this week, ending almost flat (-0.1 percent), while trading volumes were softer than the previous week.
Bank of Greece sees potential for recovery, urges calm in negotiations
In its interim Monetary Policy Report published on Friday, the Bank of Greece (BoG) called for a swift conclusion to the second programme review and implementation of reforms and privatisations.
Greece and institutions wrap up latest talks with no progress on difficult issues
Discussions between the institutions’ mission chiefs and Greek officials continued on Thursday without any agreement on the out-of-court mechanism, energy, justice and product markets that were in focus during the meetings.
Turnover in services sector improves in Q3
The majority of the turnover indices for the services sector rebounded year on year in the third quarter (Q3) of 2016, Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) figures displayed on Thursday.
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.