Northern Greek businessmen slightly more optimistic in September
Northern Greece businessmen turned more optimistic in September encouraged, probably, by the positive outcome of this year's tourist season, a survey by Interview polling company said on Monday.
The monthly survey, based on a sample of 500 enterprises in Northern Greece, showed that the Northern Greece Business Index 500 (NGBI 500) rose to -23 in September from -32 in August, -22 in July, -49 in December 2012 and -45 in September last year.
The survey, however, noted that the findings of the index still lagged behind the optimistic levels recorded in the April-June period, as businessmen seemed more worried over the course of the economy, the sustainability of the country's debt and the need of a new support package.
A 15 pct of enterprises said their condition was good, down from 16 pct i August, while a 44 pct said their condition was satisfactory and 42 pct said their condition was bad (49 pct in August).
Hiring trends remained weak. Intention for dismissals was unchanged at 20 pct, while 71 pct of enterprises said they intended to keep their workforce levels unchanged (75 pct in August).