Italy also in recession in 2013. At least in the first half, then the trend should pick up momentum in the last part of the year and land positively in 2014. This is the summary of the AFO 2012-2014 forecast report prepared by the Abi .
Austerity is having serious repercussions on the real economy. For Italy this translates into a reduction in GDP of 2,1% in 2012 and a further contraction in 2013 (-0,6%). From the second half of 2013, however, economic growth should turn positive again, with 2014 which could close with +0,8%.
The Abi report highlights how the collapse in household consumption is one of the distinctive characteristics of this recession: in the current year their reduction should register -1%, which adds up to the negative figure at the end of 2012 of 3,2, XNUMX%.
In this grey-edged picture, a positive note for small and medium-sized enterprises: the term of validity of the "New measures for credit to SMEs", expiring on 31 December 31, has been extended to 2012 March this year, which the possibility of suspending mortgages and leasing, and of extending the duration of mortgages, bank advances and agricultural credit maturities; as well as to grant loans connected to increases in own means made by small and medium-sized enterprises.
An extension - Abiche points out - "is necessary in the face of the persistence of a situation of difficulty which requires the maintenance of support measures in favor of businesses". However, these measures - it is specified - will have to be adapted to the evolution of the economic situation and to the different operating conditions of the banks.
