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Greece: the making of a turnaround story

The beginnings of an unlikely economic turnaround in Greece – and new opportunities for investors – have mostly gone under the radar

  • Greece was in an economic mess for a decade from the global financial crisis, having received the largest sovereign debt restructuring in history
  • The Mitsotakis government’s Greece 2.0 plan showed a new level of resolve and stability to match the EU’s financial commitment, and is already starting to show results
  • Although economic challenges undoubtedly remain, we expect to see further benefits of continued structural reforms as time goes on. We will watch developments with interest

The economic story of Greece seems to be taking a surprisingly positive turn: a return to respectable GDP growth, a promising downward trajectory in the level of public debt-to-GDP, and a series of upgrades to the country’s debt rating. But to understand what is impressive about that in 2023, we need to revisit a not-nearly-as-pretty story that began over a decade ago.

The long way down

The roots of Greece’s economic woes started long before its near-default in 2010. Accession to the eurozone in 2001, in the absence of a strong track record of fiscal discipline, meant that Greece – with its structural economic weaknesses – had a very narrow path to navigate to achieve success. For example, after joining the single currency all debts that were previously denominated in Greek drachmas were now denominated in euros. This meant the central bank couldn’t just print currency to repay loans. Greece’s only options to repay debt were to issue bonds or raise taxes. And when the global financial crisis hit in 2008, the fragilities of the Greek economy were laid bare.

In 2009, a perfect storm of sorts took hold. Unemployment soared and tax revenues plunged. Debt-to-GDP exceeded 120%1 – double the limit set for members of the eurozone. The newly elected government revealed that the previous government had significantly underreported the budget deficit. Greece was temporarily shut out of the capital markets. Borrowing costs skyrocketed. Unable to issue government bonds to pay off debt, it was forced to accept massive bailouts from the EU or risk defaulting on its loans.

Figure 1: Greece’s debt is on a downward path (gross debt-to-GDP, %)
Figure 1 Greece’s debt is on a downward path

Source: International Monetary Fund, World Economic Outlook Database, April 2023

An initial €110 billion bailout staved off default, but it soon proved inadequate. A second €130 billion and a 50% negotiated reduction in debt represented the largest sovereign debt restructuring in history. Subsequent tax hikes, layoffs and wage cuts began to work – in 2014, the government reported a structural surplus. But the high taxes, unemployment and austerity measures took a political toll. In 2015, snap elections were called and a newly established anti-austerity party took control. Promises to increase spending and renegotiate EU bailout terms spooked creditors, who fled the market. A liquidity crisis emerged and in 2015, unable to secure any debt relief, Greece finally defaulted.

The government gave in, agreed to initiate reforms and cut spending, and a third and final €86 billion EU bailout was secured. It had become clear that the combined €326 billion in bailout funds alone were not going to pull Greece out of its morass.

A commitment to reforms

A new level of resolve and stability was needed to match the EU’s financial commitment, and in 2019 a more conservative prime minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, was elected, running on a platform of comprehensive economic reforms.

At the core of these initiatives is the Greece 2.0 plan2, which was created in response to the EU pandemic recovery fund. As part of this framework, the Mitsotakis government has proposed 400 bills over four years to address reductions in individual, corporate and investment taxes, remake pension funding and bankruptcy frameworks, create incentives to attract foreign workers, boost infrastructure spending, streamline climate regulations and more.

Figure 2: Greece has made significant progress with fiscal adjustment (primary fiscal balance % of GDP)

Source: International Monetary Fund, World Economic Outlook Database, April 2023

The government’s nascent initiatives and actions have already started to produce results. Unemployment and inflation have fallen and disposable income is increasing. GDP has been strong (Figure 3), rising 8.4% and 5.9% respectively for 2021 and 20223. Reserves to ensure debt repayments have been strengthened, and debt servicing has been significantly streamlined. Greece is likely to regain its investment grade status soon.
Figure 3: the Greek economy rebounded from Covid and is expected to grow in line with the eurozone average (real GDP growth, %)

Source: International Monetary Fund, World Economic Outlook Database, April 2023

Despite this momentum, challenges remain. Although the economy is showing clear signs of a turnaround, the Greek government and its people face headwinds similar to other emerging economies in today’s uncertain economic environment. These include persistent deficits, retraining legacy workforces and ensuring wider participation in economic recovery.

Figure 4: unemployment in Greece has come down significantly but remains higher than the eurozone average (unemployment, %)

Source: International Monetary Fund, World Economic Outlook Database, April 2023

A promising outlook

Current growth drivers include strong domestic demand and a rise in exports for both goods and services. Tourism, a key sector in the economy, is back to 2019 levels, showing increases in volume and revenue. Over the next three to five years Greece will see meaningful inflows from the EU Resilience and Recovery Fund4. The country’s banking sector has been leading the way, with healthy balance sheets, favourable capital/equity ratios, improving non-performing ratios and ample liquidity to support growth. Greece also benefits from a very favourable debt structure. Despite the financial impacts of the pandemic, the duration of Greek debt is 20 years and its interest rate remains very low at 1.4%5.

Longer term we expect to see the benefits of continued structural reforms, including more tax cuts, increased investment, incentives for job creation and further wage hikes. Geography and renewed political stability will also continue to be factors: Microsoft cited both when they opened a data centre in Greece. Other firms investing in the country include Pfizer, Tesla, Volkswagen, Cisco, SAP, Amazon and eBay6.

A core government spending initiative is digitising the Greek state and economy – Greece was one of the first countries to auction off 5G and already has 60% coverage. Building energy infrastructure and upgrading current infrastructure are also priorities, with plans to create a framework for offshore wind farms and improve energy efficiency in new and existing buildings. And while foreign investment continues to slowly grow, €13 billion in loans exclusively to the private sector as part of Greece 2.0 is closing the investment gap. These loans will focus on green energy, digitalisation and boosting exports of goods and services, and provide support for research and innovation and mergers and acquisitions.

The way ahead

According to the Greek philosopher Plato: “If you do not take an interest in the affairs of your government then you are doomed to live under the rule of fools.” So perhaps the greatest measure of success for the government plan is the mandate of the Greek people, who have come to recognise the value of what the government has achieved and gave the current incarnation four more years to continue writing the story of Greece’s economic recovery. We will be following this next chapter with great interest.

3 October 2023
Krishan Selva
Krishan Selva
Client Portfolio Manager
Dara White
Dara White
Global Head of Emerging Market Equities
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Greece: the making of a turnaround story

1 OECD, Stat Web Browser https://stats.oecd.org

2 https://greece20.gov.gr/en/

3 World Bank Open Data https://data.worldbank.org/

4 https://greece20.gov.gr/en/

5 13D Research & Strategy, December 2022

6 https://www.ekathimerini.com/economy/250121/international-groups-investing-in-greece/

Important Information

For use by professional clients and/or equivalent investor types in your jurisdiction (not to be used with or passed on to retail clients). For marketing purposes.

 

This document is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered representative of any particular investment. This should not be considered an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or other financial instruments, or to provide investment advice or services. Investing involves risk including the risk of loss of principal. Your capital is at risk. Market risk may affect a single issuer, sector of the economy, industry or the market as a whole. The value of investments is not guaranteed, and therefore an investor may not get back the amount invested. International investing involves certain risks and volatility due to potential political, economic or currency fluctuations and different financial and accounting standards. The securities included herein are for illustrative purposes only, subject to change and should not be construed as a recommendation to buy or sell. Securities discussed may or may not prove profitable. The views expressed are as of the date given, may change as market or other conditions change and may differ from views expressed by other Columbia Threadneedle Investments (Columbia Threadneedle) associates or affiliates. Actual investments or investment decisions made by Columbia Threadneedle and its affiliates, whether for its own account or on behalf of clients, may not necessarily reflect the views expressed. This information is not intended to provide investment advice and does not take into consideration individual investor circumstances. Investment decisions should always be made based on an investor’s specific financial needs, objectives, goals, time horizon and risk tolerance. Asset classes described may not be suitable for all investors. Past performance does not guarantee future results, and no forecast should be considered a guarantee either. Information and opinions provided by third parties have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed. This document and its contents have not been reviewed by any regulatory authority.

 

In Australia: Issued by Threadneedle Investments Singapore (Pte.) Limited [“TIS”], ARBN 600 027 414. TIS is exempt from the requirement to hold an Australian financial services licence under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) and relies on Class Order 03/1102 in respect of the financial services it provides to wholesale clients in Australia. This document should only be distributed in Australia to “wholesale clients” as defined in Section 761G of the Corporations Act. TIS is regulated in Singapore (Registration number: 201101559W) by the Monetary Authority of Singapore under the Securities and Futures Act (Chapter 289), which differ from Australian laws.

 

In Singapore: Issued by Threadneedle Investments Singapore (Pte.) Limited, 3 Killiney Road, #07-07, Winsland House 1, Singapore 239519, which is regulated in Singapore by the Monetary Authority of Singapore under the Securities and Futures Act (Chapter 289). Registration number: 201101559W. This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

 

In Hong Kong: Issued by Threadneedle Portfolio Services Hong Kong Limited 天利投資管理香港有限公司. Unit 3004, Two Exchange Square, 8 Connaught Place, Hong Kong, which is licensed by the Securities and Futures Commission (“SFC”) to conduct Type 1 regulated activities (CE:AQA779). Registered in Hong Kong under the Companies Ordinance (Chapter 622), No. 1173058.

 

In Japan: Issued by Columbia Threadneedle Investments Japan Co., Ltd. Financial Instruments Business Operator, The Director-General of Kanto Local Finance Bureau (FIBO) No.3281, and a member of Japan Investment Advisers Association and Type II Financial Instruments Firms Association.

 

In the UK: Issued by Threadneedle Asset Management Limited, No. 573204 and/or Columbia Threadneedle Management Limited, No. 517895, both registered in England and Wales and authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority.

 

In the EEA: Issued by Threadneedle Management Luxembourg S.A., registered with the Registre de Commerce et des Sociétés (Luxembourg), No. B 110242 and/or Columbia Threadneedle Netherlands B.V., regulated by the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM), registered No. 08068841.

 

In Switzerland: Issued by Threadneedle Portfolio Services AG, an unregulated Swiss firm or Columbia Threadneedle Management (Swiss) GmbH, acting as representative office of Columbia Threadneedle Management Limited, authorised and regulated by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA).

 

In the Middle East: This document is distributed by Columbia Threadneedle Investments (ME) Limited, which is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). For Distributors: This document is intended to provide distributors with information about Group products and services and is not for further distribution. For Institutional Clients: The information in this document is not intended as financial advice and is only intended for persons with appropriate investment knowledge and who meet the regulatory criteria to be classified as a Professional Client or Market Counterparties and no other Person should act upon it.

 

Columbia Threadneedle Investments is the global brand name of the Columbia and Threadneedle group of companies.

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Important Information

For use by professional clients and/or equivalent investor types in your jurisdiction (not to be used with or passed on to retail clients). For marketing purposes.

 

This document is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered representative of any particular investment. This should not be considered an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or other financial instruments, or to provide investment advice or services. Investing involves risk including the risk of loss of principal. Your capital is at risk. Market risk may affect a single issuer, sector of the economy, industry or the market as a whole. The value of investments is not guaranteed, and therefore an investor may not get back the amount invested. International investing involves certain risks and volatility due to potential political, economic or currency fluctuations and different financial and accounting standards. The securities included herein are for illustrative purposes only, subject to change and should not be construed as a recommendation to buy or sell. Securities discussed may or may not prove profitable. The views expressed are as of the date given, may change as market or other conditions change and may differ from views expressed by other Columbia Threadneedle Investments (Columbia Threadneedle) associates or affiliates. Actual investments or investment decisions made by Columbia Threadneedle and its affiliates, whether for its own account or on behalf of clients, may not necessarily reflect the views expressed. This information is not intended to provide investment advice and does not take into consideration individual investor circumstances. Investment decisions should always be made based on an investor’s specific financial needs, objectives, goals, time horizon and risk tolerance. Asset classes described may not be suitable for all investors. Past performance does not guarantee future results, and no forecast should be considered a guarantee either. Information and opinions provided by third parties have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed. This document and its contents have not been reviewed by any regulatory authority.

 

In Australia: Issued by Threadneedle Investments Singapore (Pte.) Limited [“TIS”], ARBN 600 027 414. TIS is exempt from the requirement to hold an Australian financial services licence under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) and relies on Class Order 03/1102 in respect of the financial services it provides to wholesale clients in Australia. This document should only be distributed in Australia to “wholesale clients” as defined in Section 761G of the Corporations Act. TIS is regulated in Singapore (Registration number: 201101559W) by the Monetary Authority of Singapore under the Securities and Futures Act (Chapter 289), which differ from Australian laws.

 

In Singapore: Issued by Threadneedle Investments Singapore (Pte.) Limited, 3 Killiney Road, #07-07, Winsland House 1, Singapore 239519, which is regulated in Singapore by the Monetary Authority of Singapore under the Securities and Futures Act (Chapter 289). Registration number: 201101559W. This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

 

In Hong Kong: Issued by Threadneedle Portfolio Services Hong Kong Limited 天利投資管理香港有限公司. Unit 3004, Two Exchange Square, 8 Connaught Place, Hong Kong, which is licensed by the Securities and Futures Commission (“SFC”) to conduct Type 1 regulated activities (CE:AQA779). Registered in Hong Kong under the Companies Ordinance (Chapter 622), No. 1173058.

 

In Japan: Issued by Columbia Threadneedle Investments Japan Co., Ltd. Financial Instruments Business Operator, The Director-General of Kanto Local Finance Bureau (FIBO) No.3281, and a member of Japan Investment Advisers Association and Type II Financial Instruments Firms Association.

 

In the UK: Issued by Threadneedle Asset Management Limited, No. 573204 and/or Columbia Threadneedle Management Limited, No. 517895, both registered in England and Wales and authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority.

 

In the EEA: Issued by Threadneedle Management Luxembourg S.A., registered with the Registre de Commerce et des Sociétés (Luxembourg), No. B 110242 and/or Columbia Threadneedle Netherlands B.V., regulated by the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM), registered No. 08068841.

 

In Switzerland: Issued by Threadneedle Portfolio Services AG, an unregulated Swiss firm or Columbia Threadneedle Management (Swiss) GmbH, acting as representative office of Columbia Threadneedle Management Limited, authorised and regulated by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA).

 

In the Middle East: This document is distributed by Columbia Threadneedle Investments (ME) Limited, which is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). For Distributors: This document is intended to provide distributors with information about Group products and services and is not for further distribution. For Institutional Clients: The information in this document is not intended as financial advice and is only intended for persons with appropriate investment knowledge and who meet the regulatory criteria to be classified as a Professional Client or Market Counterparties and no other Person should act upon it.

 

Columbia Threadneedle Investments is the global brand name of the Columbia and Threadneedle group of companies.

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