Deposits of households and businesses (private non-profit institutions) increased by 396 million euros in March 2024, compared to a decrease of 156 million euros in the previous month, while the annual rate of change decreased to 2.9% from 3.1 % last month.

The biggest increase, according to the data of the Bank of Greece, by 1.278 billion euros, was recorded by deposits from businesses, against a decrease of 911 million euros in the previous month, while the annual rate of change decreased to 1.6% from 2.4 % last month. In particular, the deposits of MXE Non-Financial Enterprises increased by 1.507 billion euros, against a decrease of 536 million euros in the previous month. Deposits of insurance companies and other financial institutions decreased by 229 million euros, compared to a decrease of 374 million euros in the previous month.

Overall deposits from the private sector increased by €1.675 billion compared to a decrease of €1.067 billion in the previous month, while the annual rate of change eased to 2.6% from 3.0% in the previous month.

On the contrary, general government deposits showed a decrease of 718 million euros in March 2024, compared to a decrease of 737 million euros in the previous month, and the annual rate of change was -24.5% from -10.2% in last month.

On the lending side, the annual rate of change in total private sector financing increased to 4.5% from 3.8% in the previous month. The monthly net flow of total financing to the private sector was positive by 1,983 billion. euros, against a positive net flow of 904 million euros in the previous month.

In more detail, the monthly net flow of financing to businesses in March 2024 was positive by €1,913 billion, compared to a positive net flow of €924 million in the previous month, and the annual rate of change increased to 8.0% from 7.1% in the previous month. In particular, the annual rate of change in financing of non-financial corporations (NFCs) increased to 6.6% from 6.2% in the previous month. Their monthly net funding flow was positive by 1,613 million euros, compared to a positive net flow of 673 million euros in the previous month. The annual rate of change in the financing of insurance companies and other financial institutions increased to 19.2% from 14.0% in the previous month. Their monthly net funding flow was positive by €300 million, compared to a positive net flow of €251 million the previous month.

The monthly net flow of funding to freelancers, farmers and sole proprietorships was positive by €49 million, compared to a positive net flow of €1 million in the previous month. The annual rate of change in their funding was unchanged at -0.6% from the previous month.

Finally, the monthly net flow of financing to individuals and private non-profit institutions was positive by €21 million in March 2024, compared to a negative net flow of €20 million in the previous month. The annual rate of change in their funding was -1.4% from -1.7% in the previous month.

Regarding the financing of the State, the monthly net flow of financing to the general government, in March 2024, was negative by 469 million euros, against a positive net flow of 762 million euros in the previous month. The annual rate of change in general government funding eased to 0.7% from 1.9% in the previous month.