Economy
IMF sees 0.6 pct primary deficit in 2015, lowers debt forecast below 180 pct
In its latest Fiscal Monitor report, the IMF refrained from providing its estimates on Greece’s public finances for 2016 onwards due to ongoing negotiations with the Greek government and the European partners.
Greek tax wedge remained far above OECD average in 2015
The tax wedge in Greece remained well above the OECD average in 2015, according to the OECD Taxing Wages 2016 report released on Tuesday.
Greek ministers still hopeful of reaching deal with creditors this month
Greek Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos, Labour Minister Giorgos Karougalos and Economy Minister Giorgos Stathakis gave a joint press briefing on Tuesday afternoon to provide an update on the state of negotiations with the institutions.
![Photo via IMF photostream on Flickr [https://www.flickr.com/photos/imfphoto/]](resources/toolip/img-thumb/2014/08/11/imf_439_1108-medium.jpg "Photo via IMF photostream on Flickr [https://www.flickr.com/photos/imfphoto/]")
IMF sees contraction of 0.6 pct this year before strong rebound in 2017
The International Monetary Fund has provided its latest macro forecasts for Greece in the World Economic Outlook (WEO) published on Tuesday.
Building activity down 18.8 pct in January, permits hit new low
Greek building permits fell by 18.8 percent in January after rising by 5.1 percent in December, Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) figures showed on Tuesday.
Net private sector hirings of 29,351 in March, highest in last 15 years
The employment balance showed net hirings of 29,351 in March 2016, up by 7,038 from last year, the Labour Ministry’s information system (Ergani) data displayed on Monday.
EU and IMF bailout drafts confirm conditionality as well as differences on primary surplus
Two separate draft documents for the conclusion of the ongoing review were published over the weekend in the Greek media that demonstrate broad convergence in the overall conditionality between the eurozone institutions and the International Monetary Fund on the key policy measures and actions.
Greek bailout talks yet to conclude as start of IMF meetings approaches
Discussions between the Greek government and the mission chiefs continued over the weekend and will resume on Monday at 3pm with an agreement on the key issues of the first programme review remaining elusive over the past few days.
Greek stocks slip 1.7 pct during week with subdued volumes
The Greek stock market fell 1.7 percent this week, with subdued volumes in almost all sessions.
Car sales rebound 3.4 pct in March
The number of road motor vehicles (going into circulation for the first time) resumed an upward trend rising by 3.4 percent in March, after a short-lived fall by 17 percent in February, Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) figures displayed on Friday.