Debt

Credit expansion of 4% is expected for this and next year

The Greek banking sector will see this and next year a credit expansion of 4% per annum, per Eurobank Equities, ensuring resilience in interest income and profitability for Greek banks.

This is ahead of the imminent reduction of interest rates by the ECB, expected to start from the second quarter of this year.

Three goals in public debt management

Reducing the ratio of debt-to-gross domestic product at the fastest rate in Europe, achieving higher positions in the rating agencies' scales and further reducing the cost of servicing the country's borrowing, are the three main objectives set by the financial staff for the crucial issue of managing the Greek debt.

New burden on the debt from 2033

In nine years, when Greece enters 2033, it will be faced with a problem going back to its bailout past: The public debt will suddenly be burdened with an extra 25 billion euros, or 8% of the then GDP, as the interest on loans from 2013, which has been frozen for almost two decades as part of debt relief arrangements with its European lenders, will be added to it.

Auctions avoided with advance payment of 10% of debt

A new boost is expected for the out-of-court mechanism for debt settlement, after the improvement regulations incorporated in the new law passed on Tuesday by Parliament.

An amendment provides that creditors are given the possibility to request an advance payment of up to 10% of the debt, as shown by the calculation tool of the extrajudicial mechanism.

Bonds hit 16-month high

Greek bonds outperformed their eurozone counterparts considerably on Monday, with the 5-year Greek note even matching Spanish paper, having received a boost from Greece's upgrade by Fitch Ratings on Friday night.

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