Economy
Primary budget surplus in Nov at 1.2bln euros, 2013 target in reach
Greece’s budget execution to November showed a primary surplus of 1.21 billion euros from a deficit of 1.42 billion last year, according to the preliminary data released by the Ministry of Finance (MoF) on Thursday.
Unemployment rate inched up again in Sept to 27.4 pct
The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in September rose marginally to 27.4 percent, from 27.3 percent in August, according to data released by the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT). The September rate is now just under the historic high of 27.5 percent in May this year.
Fall in industrial production speeds up in October with 5.2 pct drop
The Industrial Production Index (IPI) took on a faster downward trend in October with a drop of 5.2 percent following a 1.3 percent decline recorded in September, according to the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT).
Building activity in Greece fell by nearly 40 pct in year to September
Greek building activity (as measured by the number of building permits) dropped by 14.4 percent in September with the respective surface figure easing 25.9 percent, while volume retreated 36.6 percent, according to the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT).
Greek GDP shrinks 3 pct in Q3, on course to contract by 4 pct in 2013
Greek non-seasonally-adjusted GDP contracted 3 percent in the third quarter of 2013, confirming flash estimates released on November 14, according to provisional data published by the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) on Monday.
Tourism turnover index slows but signs remain positive
Turnover Index in Accommodation and Food Services rose 1.2 percent in the third quarter 2013, decelerating from the 5.2 percent posted in the second quarter, according to Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT). The improvement - one again - confirms the strong tourism season in Greece this year.
Greek primary surplus at 400 mln to Oct but arrears keep piling up
The Greek general government (gg) cash deficit to October fell by 50.8 percent to 4.41 billion with the gg cash primary surplus landing at 1.38 billion from 2.53 billion last year, the Ministry of Finance (MoF) said on Tuesday.
Manufacturing PMI in Greece hits a 51-month high in November
Greek Manufacturing PMI rose to a 51-month high of 49.2 in November from 47.3 in October as output at Greek manufacturers rose for the first time since September 2009, according to Markit. At the same time, new orders stabilised, after having fallen in the previous month, while the decrease in employment decelerated.
Has internal devaluation really helped Greek exports?
The performance of Greece’s exports has been one of the main disappointments of the troika-led program. One of the pillars of Greece’s adjustment was meant to be internal devaluation, which through a number of reforms that would stimulate growth, absorb the collapse of domestic demand and re-direct production and capital to tradable goods.
Greek retail sales tumbled another 6.4 pct in September
Retail sales headed south for yet another month with the contraction rate decelerating to 6.4 percent in September from 8.9 percent in August, according to Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT). A broadly similar trend and drop of 5.4 percent was also evident in retail volumes.