Macroeconomy
IMF downgrades Greek GDP and unemployment forecasts
The publication of the International Monetary Fund’s World Economic Outlook (WEO) on Tuesday revealed worse estimates for the Greek economy compared to the upbeat set of forecasts included in its previous forecasts, which were released early last October.
Budget primary surplus falls to 1.1 bln in Q1, slightly above target
The budget primary balance recorded a surplus of 1.07 billion euros in the first quarter (Q1), which was 42.7 percent lower than the figure of 1.86 billion a year ago, the Finance Ministry (MoF) preliminary budget execution bulletin showed on Tuesday.
Limited arrears clearance in first two months of 2017
Greece cleared arrears of just 48.6 million euros in February, bringing the total figure to 68.3 million for the year to date, the Finance Ministry (MoF) bulletin for the payment of arrears revealed.
Building activity increases for second straight month after 11.1 pct rise in Jan
Greek building permits increased for the second straight month in January but at the faster pace of 11.1 percent after a rise of 2.1 percent in December, Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) data showed on Wednesday.
Eurosystem funding falls by 2.2 bln in March, ELA drops after brief rise in Feb
Greek banks’ Eurosystem funding remained on a downward trend for the 21st successive month in March, falling by 2.2 billion following a slower drop of 1.13 billion in the previous month, Bank of Greece's (BoG) monthly financial statement showed on Tuesday.
Car sales increase by 43.5 pct in March and 35.6 pct in Q1
Road motor vehicles (going into circulation for the first time) continued heading north soaring by 43.5 percent in March after a broadly similar rise of 43.1 percent in February, Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) data showed on Monday.
Industrial production rises at record high rate of 10.8 pct in Feb
The Greek Industrial Production Index (IPI) increased at a faster pace of 10.8 percent in February after a downward revised rise of 7.1 percent in January, Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) data revealed on Monday.
CPI rises at a faster pace of 1.7 pct in March
Τhe Greek Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose at an accelerating pace of 1.7 percent in March compared to 1.3 percent in the previous month, Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) data showed on Monday.
Trade deficit surges 17.7 pct in Feb on double-digit growth in imports
Greece’s trade deficit continued heading north at a double-digit rate in February, when it increased by 17.7 percent in February after exceptionally strong growth of 91.7 percent in January, Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) data showed on Friday.
Unemployment rate at 23.5 pct in Jan, stable from upward revised Dec figure
Greece’s seasonally adjusted (SA) unemployment stayed stable at 23.5 percent in January 2017 after an upward revision of the December figure, which was initially reported at 23.1 percent, Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) labour force survey showed on Thursday.