Economy
Trade deficit shrinks by 14.1 pct in June as fall in imports outpaces export decline
Greece’s trade deficit fell for the second successive month in June, when it declined by 14.1 percent from 24.2 percent in May, according to the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT).
CPI falls by another 2.2 pct in July as VAT rises yet to be recorded
The rate of drop in the Greek consumer price index (CPI) remained at 2.2 percent for the second straight month in July, according to the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT).
Bank recap and NPL management create conundrum in bailout talks
Two bank-related themes, namely the recapitalisation process and the management of non-performing loans (NPLs), are among the key unresolved issues in the ongoing discussions between Greek authorities and the institutions.
General gov't primary cash surplus shrinks in first half of 2015 as state arrears grow
The general government (gg) primary cash surplus contracted by more than 1.6 billion euros to 238 million in the first half of 2015 from 1.85 billion last year, according the gg bulletin published by the Ministry of Finance (MoF) on Thursday.
Unemployment rate fell to 25 pct in May, its lowest level in the last three years
Greece’s seasonally adjusted (SA) unemployment rate fell for the second straight month in May, when it dropped to 25 percent in May from 25.6 percent in April, according to the Hellenic Statistical Agency (ELSTAT).
Greece and creditors try to untangle pension complications
One of the key issues in the negotiations with the institutions over an agreement for a new bailout programme relates to the pension reforms.
Greek business feeling the pinch from capital controls
The imposition of capital controls a month ago has taken a heavy toll on Greek companies, from the micro or small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to the largest firms.
Some snags remain in discussion with lenders over new privatisation scheme
During a lengthy meeting with the quartet of Greece’s lenders on Tuesday, government officials discussed in detail privatisations – one of the key issues that need to be settled for there to be an agreement on a new 3-year bailout programme.
Rate of drop in apartment prices picks up again in Q2
After decelerating in the preceding seven quarters, the drop in Greek apartment prices accelerated to 5.6 percent in the second quarter (Q2) of 2015 from a revised 4.1 percent in Q1, according to the Bank of Greece (BoG).
More than half of small businesses saw turnover dive by at least 50 pct due to capital controls
A recent survey published by the Institute of small enterprises of the Hellenic Confederation of Professionals, Craftsmen and Merchants (GSEVE) showed the devastating impact on small companies after the imposition of capital controls.