Economy
Focus of discussion for lenders moves to debt relief, post-MoU framework
The official conclusion of the third review on Friday means that the attention of the Greek government and its lenders has moved fully to the final few months of the programme and what will follow.
PMI at 56.1 in February, most improved since June 2000
Greece’s Manufacturing PMI rose by 0.9 points to 56.1 in February, the ninth consecutive reading above the 50-mark threshold.
Athens hopes for next bailout tranche as first phase of review talks conclude
The Greek government goes into Thursday’s meeting of the Eurogroup Working Group (EWG) hoping that it has done enough to secure the next bailout tranche, bringing the third review to an official conclusion.
New measures to ease capital controls, lift restrictions on opening bank accounts
Additional measures to ease the capital controls in place in Greece since 2015 were announced by the Ministry of Finance (MoF) on Wednesday.
Athens sees progress during first days of fourth review talks
The Greek government believes that discussions regarding the fourth review, which began in Athens this week, are progressing well.
Retail sales rise by 2.2 pct in December, average growth of 1.7 pct in 2017
Greece’s retail sales rose by 2.2 percent year-on-year in December after November’s upwardly revised decline of 1.4 percent, according to data published by the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) on Wednesday.
Deposits turn negative in Jan with outflows of 1.40 bln
Net deposit movement in the Greek banking system turned negative in January with outflows of 1.40 billion euros compared to positive inflows of 2.54 billion euros in December, Bank of Greece (BoG) figures revealed on Tuesday.
Credit contraction at 0.8 pct in January as household, corporate lending falls
Credit contraction in the Greek market remained unchanged at 0.8 percent in January, staying static for a fourth month, Bank of Greece (BoG) figures showed on Tuesday.
Economic sentiment at 104.3 pts in Feb, consumer confidence falls by 2 pts
Greece’s economic sentiment (ESI) continued to strengthen in February, increasing by 2.4 points to 104.3 compared to a reading of 101.9 in January, European Commission (EC) figures revealed on Tuesday.
BoG looks at other programme exits and options available to Athens
Over the last few weeks Greece’s central bank governor, Yannis Stournaras, has been arguing that the Greek government should explore all options for the post-programme era, including a precautionary credit line.