Athens News Agency: News in English, 07-01-22

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From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Karamanlis briefed by FinMin, central Bank Gov.

[02] Greek economic sentiment index up in '06

[01] Karamanlis briefed by FinMin, central Bank Gov.

Garganas reportedly briefed the prime minister on issues affecting the central bank, such as an ongoing restructuring. He also referred to international economic developments and euro-zone developments, "as seen in Frankfurt".

Moreover, the central banker briefed Karamanlis on Bank of Greece forecasts for the Greek economy stressing that a monetary policy report he is expected to present in Parliament and the Cabinet is nearing completion.

Alogoskoufis, responding to a press question, said that at present there is no issue of a rate hike by the Public Power Corp. (PPC).

[02] Greek economic sentiment index up in '06

In a monthly report, IOBE said the average economic sentiment index in 2006 surpassed the long-term average, more than 103 points. The indexâs growth rate was the highest in the EU-25 by September, but it still lagged behind the European average.

The report attributed the December index mainly to an improvement in the consumers' confidence index.

Business expectations in the manufacturing sector improved in December, recording the highest levels in the last four years. The business expectations index in the construction sector fell for the third consecutive month, but was up compared with the average rate in 2005. The business expectations index in the retail sector was almost unchanged at 121 points, up from December 2005 and exceeding the long-term average rate. The business expectations index in the services sector eased slightly to 109.2 points in December, from 110.9 in November, but was still up compared with the long-term average rate.

IOBE said the consumers' confidence index improved in December, but remained at low levels as consumers remained pessimistic over forecasts for the future. The index rose to -28 points in December, up from -33 in November, the highest figure since 2004.

ANA-MPA file photo / P. Saitas.

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