Greece Expected Deficits, Surprised Everyone with a Budget Surplus
In an unanticipated fashion, Greece managed to post a budget surplus, going against the predictions of many. In fact, the country was targeting a reduced deficit, not knowing that the government's concerted efforts can lead to surplus of $3.5 Billion. This is certainly a good step for the country imbued with financial chaos and troubles just not a very long time ago.
The $3.5 billion surplus was calculated for the period between January and July. Greece's deputy finance minister, Christos Staikouras claimed that the figure was significantly higher than the country's interim target of 3.1 Billion Euros.
Earlier, it had been said by Finance Minister Yannis Stournaras that having a budget surplus and stable economic growth are both signs that the country can return to the bond markets. Therefore, this is good news.
This is a great cause for celebration not only for the country, but also for its neighbors and the EU as a whole, which had kept Greece afloat and inside the euro zone through a €240-billion bailout.