Economy
Athens steps up drive for fiscal space as fifth post-MoU review continues
Monday’s Eurogroup in Brussels will provide the first opportunity for the Greek government to sound out European officials regarding its efforts to create more fiscal space, while discussions will continue in Athens this week regarding the fifth enhanced surveillance review.
Building permits increase by 12.6 pct in October
Building permits rose by 12.6 percent year-on-year (YoY) in October compared to a rise of 8.5 percent in September, Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) data released on Friday showed.
Travel surplus rises by 12.7 pct in 9M
The balance of travel services came to a surplus of 14.10 billion euros for the first nine months (9M) of the year, Bank of Greece (BoG) noted in its travel balance report.
Public investment under spotlight amid arguments over budget execution
The issue of public investment spending became a point of friction on Wednesday when the deputy minister responsible for fiscal issues claimed the previous government used creative means to make investment spending appear higher at state budget level than it was.
Budget primary surplus at 4.96 bln in Dec, beating annual target
The budget primary balance recorded a surplus of 4.96 billion euros across the twelve months of 2019, compared to a surplus of 91 million noted in December 2018, the preliminary Finance Ministry (MoF) budget execution bulletin showed on Wednesday.
Deadline looms for troubled home protection scheme as insolvency law is lined up
The sensitive issue of protecting primary residences from foreclosures, which over the last decade was dealt with by the so-called Katseli law that was introduced very early in the crisis and then extended by subsequent administrations, is starting to move up the agenda of key stakeholders.
Car sales jump by 21 pct in Dec as 2019 closes with 12.8 pct rise
Road motor vehicles going into circulation for the first time jumped by 21 percent year-on-year (YoY) in December, following a solid rise of 12.5 percent in November, according to data released by Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) released on Tuesday.
Dec CPI up by 0.8 pct yoy as 2019 rise comes in at 0.3 pct
Greece’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by 0.8 percent year-on-year in December, following a rise of 0.2 percent in November, marking two positive readings after three negative months, Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) figures showed on Monday.
Alpha Bank launches major securitisation as banks ready portfolios for Hercules scheme
Alpha Bank announced that it has started the process to execute one of the largest bad loan securitisations by a Greek bank.
Employment balance negative by 3,666 in December
The employment balance remained negative in December with 3666 more firings than hirings, data from the Labour Ministry’s Ergani information system showed.