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Myths and truths about the Greek default

04 June 2012 / 18:06:27  GRReporter
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Increasing insecurity has brought new folklore of the crisis in Greece. More than a few myths about the impact of a possible economic collapse on the savings of Greeks have recentlybeen created. Rumours and scenarios that Greece will return to its national currency over the past two years have become increasingly popular and are one of the main reasons for the mass withdrawal of deposits from local banks. Prospects for permanent devaluation of the new national currency and for loss of money under the new conditions have scared people. According to the National Bank of Greece, about 72 billion euro has been withdrawn from the country from the onset of the crisis until now, which are resources of vital significance for maintaining market liquidity. The very president of the Bank of Greece has recently said that the withdrawal of deposits may be crucial for the exit of Greece from the euro zone. If their levels drop significantly, the country's government will have to temporarily freeze the bank accounts in the country while printing its own currency to prevent the collapse of the financial system.

Despite this gloomy forecast, Greek banks are still considered to be reliable keepers of civil deposits. The first 18 billion euro in European aid to the banks has strengthened their capitalization to levels acceptable for lending from the European Central Bank. Individual deposits up to 100 thousand euro in a bank are guaranteed by the state. Even if something bad happens to a local financial institution, citizens with savings up to 100 thousand euro will have nothing to worry about. This applies only in case a bank goes bankrupt. If the state itself announced suspension of payments and uncontrolled bankruptcy, this protection wall for deposits will fall. The financial stability fund has been operating since last week and it ensures that a troubled bank will continue to operate through government intervention. The only risk remains which road Greece will take after the elections.

Financial experts explain that if it comes to printing drachmas, banks will probably put a ceiling on the withdrawal of deposits for individuals and companies in the first days of the process. It could be 500 euro for individual accounts and considerably higher for corporate ones. In case of a foreign bank, citizens must acquaint themselves with the rules for deposit withdrawal and guarantee under the law applicable to the mother bank in the relevant country. Many citizens have preferred to withdraw their savings from banks and put them in a safe or keep them at home "under the bed." Financial experts warn that in this case, individuals could protect the money from loss of value in the new currency devaluation but they would lose from the lack of interest on deposits. Experts also explain that in case of a theft, citizens will not be able to recover the full amount.

Another option preferred by many Greek citizens is investing their savings in government bonds of other states. Experts say that investments in countries with an AAA credit rating (America, Germany, Norway, etc.) are considered reasonable. The only risk with such an investment is if the state issuing the securities goes bankrupt. Repurchase agreements and other types of investment moves bring more profit than the average interest rate, but in case the bank making them goes bankrupt, they will not be covered by the adopted protective mechanism.The European Financial Stability Facility is also issuing bonds that are being currently considered a stable investment. If, however, Greece exits the euro zone, investor confidence in European institutions and the fund itself will be severely shaken and will cause the withdrawal of investors from the euro area. This may result in a decline in stock securities returns but the invested funds will still remain in euro and will not be converted into drachmas with no value. There is a 10% tax for interest income in Greece. It is automatically deducted by the bank and paid to the state. Experts warn that if an individual decides to export his or her money abroad, he or she must be aware of the taxation procedure for interest income in the particular countryso as not to fall into the hands of tax services.

Tags: EconomyMarketsBanksCrisisGreece
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