The Bank of Greece has reported that deposits held by the private sector in Greek banks increased by €5.3 billion in May 2026, marking a significant turnaround from the previous month’s decline of €66 million. This surge brings the total private-sector deposit balance to €155 billion. The annual growth rate of these deposits also saw an uptick, rising to 7.8% from 5.8% in April. This marks a notable shift in the banking landscape, as the trend of declining deposits appears to have reversed.
In contrast, deposits held by the general government experienced a modest decrease of €249 million in May, following an increase of €32 million in April. The annual growth rate for government deposits slowed down to 14.6%, compared to 22.5% in the prior month. These figures highlight the divergent trends between public and private sectors, suggesting that confidence among private entities has improved, while state-related financial activities remain more subdued.
Business deposits recorded a substantial increase of €4.9 billion in May, reversing a decline of €935 million in April. This indicates a strong recovery in corporate lending and investment activity. The annual growth rate for business deposits accelerated to 18.7%, up from 10.8% in April. Non-financial corporations also showed a marked improvement, with their deposits increasing by €4.58 billion, reversing a decline of €1.07 billion in April. This suggests a growing appetite for capital among businesses, possibly driven by favorable economic conditions and policy support.
Insurance companies and other financial institutions saw an increase in their deposits by €390 million in May, compared to a rise of €139 million in April. This reflects ongoing stability within the financial sector, although the pace of growth remains relatively moderate. Meanwhile, deposits held by individuals and small businesses showed mixed results, with a slight increase of €340 million in May, which followed a decline of €869 million in April. This fluctuation underscores the uncertainty in consumer behavior amidst broader economic shifts.
On the lending front, there was a positive net flow of €1.28 billion in May, representing a reversal from the negative net flow of €1.15 billion in April. This signals renewed optimism among banks regarding the viability of lending to businesses. The annual growth rate of corporate lending reached 9.8%, up from 8.8% in the previous month, indicating sustained momentum in business credit expansion. This could be attributed to improving market conditions and regulatory easing, which together foster a more conducive environment for borrowing and investment.
The data also reveals regional variations in deposit trends. For instance, the private sector's overall deposit growth stood at €5.3 billion, with specific sub-sectors showing distinct patterns. While business deposits surged, personal and small business deposits exhibited more volatility. This divergence points to varying levels of financial confidence across different segments of the economy. Additionally, the increase in deposits among non-financial corporations suggests a stronger alignment between corporate strategy and available capital, potentially leading to further investment and job creation.
Looking ahead, analysts expect continued growth in private-sector deposits as economic conditions stabilize and consumer confidence improves. However, the slower growth in government deposits may indicate ongoing fiscal constraints or shifting priorities in public spending. As the year progresses, the interplay between private and public finance will likely shape the trajectory of Greece’s economic recovery. With the current trends pointing toward stabilization and gradual growth, policymakers and financial institutions will need to maintain vigilance to ensure sustainable progress.
4 reports
ekathimerini.comIndependentCenter17 hr. agoGreece reported significant job growth in its private sector during the first five months of 2026, with a net increase of 332,843 positions. This marks the strongest performance since 2001. In May alone, net job creation reached 132,730, driven by 368,429 hires compared to 235,699 departures. Departures included both voluntary resignations (96,616) and dismissals/expirations (139,083). Over the January-May period, total hires totaled 1,361,618, while departures amounted to 1,028,775, with 612,212 being dismissals/expirations and 416,563 voluntary resignations.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual economic data without overt ideological framing. It focuses on objective labor market indicators such as hiring numbers, departure rates, and net job creation. The tone remains neutral, emphasizing statistical outcomes rather than taking a stance on policy implications.
Proto ThemaIndependentCenter21 hr. agoThe Greek Ministry of Labor reported an increase in temporary employment in the private sector during May 2026. According to data from the 'ERGANI' information system, there was a positive net flow of 132,730 jobs, with 368,429 new hires compared to 235,699 exits. Of these exits, 96,616 were voluntary resignations and 139,083 were due to contract terminations or expirations. Over the first five months of 2026, total hiring reached 1,361,618 positions, while exits totaled 1,028,775, including 612,212 contract-related exits and 416,563 voluntary resignations. This results in a net gain of 332,843 new jobs, marking the highest such figure for any first quarter since 2001.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual economic data regarding employment trends without overt ideological framing. It focuses on statistical outcomes and official reports, maintaining neutrality by avoiding commentary on the implications of the figures or their political significance.
Proto ThemaIndependentCenter4 days ago EIB: €5.3 billion jump in private sector deposits in MayThe private sector deposits in Greece increased by €5.313 billion in May, according to data from the Bank of Greece, reversing the decline of €66 million recorded in April. The annual rate of change in total financing of the domestic economy rose to 4.6% in May, up from 3.9% in the previous month. The net monthly flow of total banking financing was positive at €1.644 billion in May 2026, compared to a negative net flow of €1.081 billion in April. Financing to the general government saw a positive net flow of €329 million in May, up from €135 million in April, with the annual rate of change rising to 0.0% from -0.7%. Private sector financing experienced an increase in the annual rate of change to 7.4% in May, up from 6.8% in April, with a positive net flow of €1.315 billion, reversing the negative net flow of €1.216 billion in April. Business financing saw a positive net flow of €1.285 billion in May, up from a negative net flow of €1.150 billion in April, with the annual rate of change increasing to 9.8% from 8.8%. Non-financial businesses had a positive net flow of €427 million, reversing a negative net flow of €731 million in April, while financial institutions saw a positive net
Bias read (Center): The article presents statistical data on economic indicators such as private sector deposits, government financing, and business financing without apparent ideological framing. It focuses on numerical changes and does not emphasize any particular political stance or agenda.
Proto ThemaIndependentCenter4 days ago 14.4% jump in building permits in the first quarter of the yearThe Greek Statistical Authority (ΕΛΣΤΑΤ) reported data from the Construction Activity Survey for March 2026, showing significant increases in construction permits across both private and public sectors. In the first quarter of 2026 (January–March), total construction activity increased by 14.4% compared to the same period in 2025, with private sector permits rising by 21.3%, public sector by 22.3%. The private sector accounted for most of the growth, contributing to a 49.5% increase in area and 60% increase in volume. Over the past year (April 2025–March 2026), overall construction activity rose by 9.1% in permits, 10.5% in area, and 16.4% in volume, with the public sector’s share of total volume at 3.7%. These figures indicate a strong upward trend in construction activity in Greece during this period.
Bias read (Center): The article presents statistical data from an official source (ΕΛΣΤΑΤ) without overt ideological framing. It reports factual increases in construction permits and related metrics without commentary on the implications of these trends, such as economic impact or political influence. The tone remains
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