Centre of Planning and Economic Research (KEPE): 2.2% increase in Greek GDP this year

The Center for Planning and Economic Research (KEPE) “sees” an increase in Greek GDP by 2.2% for this year.

In particular, according to the updated forecasts of the factor model of the Center for Planning and Economic Research (KEPE), the average annual rate of change of the real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Greece for the year 2023 is predicted at 2.2%. This estimate is identical to the relevant forecast published by KEPE at the beginning of the year (2.2%), given that there were no developments in the interim that would reverse the positive course of most of the economic figures included in the forecast. According to the assessment, the Greek economy will remain on a stable growth trajectory throughout the year, with its growth rates having returned to levels that reflect the post-pandemic return to normality.

The overall favorable outlook for the Greek economy based on the course of the figures taken into account for the forecast is certainly faced with several challenges and uncertainties, in relation to the international environment and geopolitical developments, as well as in relation to the course of inflation and the related effects on household purchasing power, production costs and interest rates. On the other hand, a further reduction in uncertainty and a positive outcome regarding the recovery of investment grade for Greek government bonds, combined with the intensive implementation of investments and reforms in the Greek economy, could contribute to a more favorable development of the GDP of the Greek economy. framework of the Recovery and Resilience Fund and the new NSRF 2021-2027.

The first trimester

With reference to the data for the first quarter of 2023 for prices, the developments were indicative of a significant reduction in energy costs, as the Brent oil index showed a significant decline compared to the immediately preceding quarter, while the European harmonized index also continued to decline energy prices for Greece. At the same time, there was a gradual easing of inflationary pressures, which however concerned part and not all of the main categories of the consumer price index. In particular, a fall in prices or a slowdown in their rate of increase was observed in some categories, such as those significantly affected by energy prices (housing, transport), while high inflationary pressures continued to be recorded in basic consumer goods, such as food and beverages, the clothing and footwear and household durables and services.

The above developments seem to have overall resulted in a slight reduction in uncertainty in Greece, despite the fact that at this particular moment there was also the usual uncertainty surrounding pre-election periods. Indicative of such a retreat was the small drop in the yield of the ten-year Greek bond compared to the last quarter of 2022, as well as the notable reduction in the relative margin (spread) against the corresponding German bond. Regarding indicators reflecting expectations, developments in the first quarter of 2023, compared to the last quarter of the previous year, demonstrate an improvement in the economic climate in Greece and the EU, and a significant strengthening of business expectations in Greece in all categories (industry, retail and construction).