Economy
General government primary cash surplus widens notably to 5.14 bln at end of Nov
Greece’s general government (gg) primary cash surplus widened further in November, increasing by almost 40 percent to 5.14 billion euros in the 11-month period of 2015 from 3.68 billion during the same period a year earlier, the Finance Ministry (MoF) gg bulletin showed on Thursday.
Unemployment edges down to 24.5 pct in Oct, lowest since May 2012
Greece’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate continued its slight downward trend easing to 24.5 percent in October from 24.6 percent in September, the Hellenic Statistics Authority (ELSTAT) latest figure displayed on Thursday.
Economic sentiment and consumer confidence improve in Dec
After remaining stable in November, Greece’s economic sentiment (ESI) edged up by 0.6 points to 87.1 in December, European Commission (EC) figures revealed on Thursday.
Trade deficit slips by 1.8 pct in Nov on higher drop in exports
Greece’s trade deficit fell by 1.8 percent in November after a short-lived rise of 17.3 percent in October, Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) figures showed on Thursday.
Gov't hits back as pension reform row heats up
The government has hit back in the public relations battle over its proposed pension reforms by trying to rebut criticism from New Democracy point-by-point.
Gov't submits reform plan that raises contributions and cuts future pensions
The government disclosed on Monday afternoon its final proposal for a unified social security system, which was sent to the institutions ahead of the first programme review later this month.
PMI above 50 points in Dec for first time in 16 months but underlying problems remain
Greece’s Manufacturing PMI edged over the 50-point mark, which separates growth from contraction, and reached 50.2 in December from 48.1 in November, Markit’s survey showed on Monday.
Coalition poised to unveil pension reform proposals, hoping to avoid cuts
The Greek government appears to have finalised its proposals on pension reform and is set to submit them to the institutions ahead of the start of the first programme review in mid-January.
Retail sales fall at slightly slower pace of 3.9 pct in Oct
The turnover of Greece’s retail trade index continued heading south in October, when it dropped by 3.9 percent from a 5.3 percent decrease in September, Hellenic Statistical Agency (ELSTAT) data showed on December 31.
Credit contraction further accelerates to 2.2 pct in November
Greek bank credit contraction further accelerated to 2.2 percent in November from an upward revised 2 percent in October, Bank of Greece (BoG) figures displayed on Wednesday.