Macroeconomy
Q1 gg primary cash balance shows 2.5 bln surplus but 2014 arrears grow
The Greek general government (gg) primary cash surplus in the first quarter (Q1) of 2014 more than tripled to 2.5 billion from 770 million in the corresponding period last year, according the gg bulletin released by the Ministry of Finance on Tuesday.
OECD sees Greek recession continuing in 2014, slower recovery to follow
In its latest Economic Outlook report published on Tuesday, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) still expects Greek GDP to contract 0.3 percent in 2014 and rebound 1.9 percent in 2015.
Greek Parliament's budget office questions primary surplus sustainability
In its latest quarterly report released on Friday, the Greek Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) argues that despite significant achievements in 2014, the Greek economy still has a long way to go to overcome the obstacles in its path.
Manufacturing PMI rises again, reaching 51.1 in April
Greece’s Manufacturing PMI improved by 1.4 points to 51.1 in April, according to Markit. This was the third reading so far in 2014 above the 50-point mark, which separates growth from contraction.
Greece unveils MTFS seeing 4.2 bln primary surplus in 2014 but just under 2 bln fiscal gap in 2015-16
The Finance Ministry unveiled on April 30 the Medium-Term Fiscal Strategy (MTFS) for 2015 – 2018, which was also tabled in Parliament. The government aims for the program to be voted through the House by May 5 to coincide with the date of the next Eurogroup.
Retail index fell by 2.2 pct in Feb but trend improving
The turnover of Greece’s retail trade index fell by 2.2 percent year on year (YoY) in February, while volume slightly rose by 0.6 percent, according to the Hellenic Statistical Agency (ELSTAT).
Credit contracts by 4.1 pct in March, loans down by 3.4 pct
The year on year (YoY) credit contraction in the Greek market slightly accelerated to 4.1 percent in March from 4 percent in the preceding two months, with balances reaching 215.88 billion euros, according to the BoG.
Slight rise in deposits for March but outflows at 2.2 bln for 2014
Greek private sector deposits rose 0.3 percent month on month (MoM) in March, with balances reaching 161.05 billion euros, according to the Bank of Greece (BoG).
Greek trade deficit up 12.6 pct in Feb as imports rise
Greece’s trade deficit rose 12.6 percent to 1.99 billion euros in February, resuming an upward trend for the first time since September 2013, according to the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT).
Greek current account deficit rises to 709 mln in February
Greece's February current account (C/A) deficit rose by 3.6 percent to 709 million euros, according to the Bank of Greece (BoG).