Analysis

CEE Markets Expected to Perform Strongly This Year

OTP Bank experts continue to recommend an underweight in stocks while maintaining some exposure to gold in their investment strategy....

Analysis

Lower-than-expected Inflation to Speed Interest Rate Cuts?

The year-end brought a positive surprise with inflation data that was more favorable than expected. Due to the lower index,...

Analysis

Editorial: Hungary Last Man Standing on Sweden

We marked a somber anniversary on Jan. 24, on month shy of two years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion...

Analysis

Poland GDP Expands 0.2% in 2023

Polish economic growth eased markedly during the year 2023, a flash estimate from the Warsaw-based Central Statistical Office (GUS) on...

Analysis

Hungary PMI Edges Under 50-point Mark in January

Hungary's seasonally-adjusted Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) slipped to 49.9 points in January from 51 in December, a hair under the...

Analysis

Czech Economy Rebounds in Q4

The Czech Republic's economy expanded as expected in the final quarter after contracting in the previous quarter, preliminary figures from...

Analysis

Slovenia Retail Sales Continues to Fall in December

Retail sales in Slovenia dropped 15% year-on-year in December, accelerating from a downwardly revised 10.9% fall in the previous month,...

Analysis

Market Would Accept 2024 Deficit of 4-4.5% of GDP – Varga

Finance Minister Mihály Varga said the government was weighing bringing the general government deficit under the 3%-of-GDP Maastricht threshold in...

Analysis

Chamber of Commerce Corner, January 12, 2024

This regular section of the Budapest Business Journal features news and events from various international business chambers. For further information...

Analysis

The Budapest Business Journal Wish List 2024 – Trust, Investing in Children, Picking Mushroom and a Diplomatic Cry for Better Communication With Youths

For the seventh consecutive year, Kester Eddy rounds up a gathering of the great and the good, including voices that...

Analysis

The Economic Crystal Ball: Expectations and Challenges for Hungary in 2024

Economic experts highlight the changes they expect in Hungary’s economy for the upcoming year, discussing GDP, inflation, foreseeable changes in...

Analysis

Czech Consumer Morale Improves in January

The consumer confidence indicator in the Czech Republic rose to 91.2 in January, up from a one-year low of 84.8...

Analysis

Slovenia Consumer Confidence at 9-month High in January

Consumer confidence in Slovenia increased by 3 percentage points in January from the previous month, pointing to the highest reading...

Analysis

Without Balance, Economic Growth ‘Superficial’ – FinMin

Finance Minister Mihály Varga said economic growth achieved at the expense of the budget balance was "superficial" in an interview...

Analysis

Government Bullish on Economic Prospects for 2024; Independent Voices Stress Budget Projections may be Optimistic

With inflation falling to 7.9% in November, improving current account and trade balances, and the economy emerging from recession in...

Analysis

One in Six Hungarian Adults Has Lost Money to Cyberfraud, CIB Survey Finds

Nearly half of Hungarian adults have encountered a cyberfraud attempt, and 16% have lost money, according to a representative survey...

Analysis

Economic and Geopolitical Uncertainty Should Change how we Grow, not Whether we Grow

Economic volatility, geopolitical disruption, and technological change are making long-term decisions harder for business leaders. Yet uncertainty does not remove...

Analysis

Hungary’s GDP Grows 1.5% in Q3 as Industry Offsets Drought Hit

Hungary’s GDP grew 1.5% year-on-year in the Q3 2026, supported by industry and services, while drought-hit agriculture held back the...

Analysis

Hungary Sets 2030 Euro Readiness Goal in Growth and Deficit Plan

Hungary aims to meet the conditions for euro adoption by 2030 while lifting growth above 3% and reducing budget deficit...

Analysis

Hungarian Business Confidence Improves as Consumer Sentiment Weakens

Business confidence edged higher in Hungary in October, while consumer sentiment deteriorated, according to economic research institute GKI....

Analysis

Kopint-Tárki Forecasts Hungary’s GDP Growth at 2.5% in 2027

Economic research institute Kopint-Tárki expects Hungary’s GDP to grow by approximately 2.5% in 2027, according to a new forecast released...

Analysis

MNB Keeps Base Rate Unchanged, Lower Inflation Target Signals Tighter Stance

The Monetary Council of the National Bank of Hungary (MNB) left Hungary’s benchmark rate at 5.5% at its most recent...

Analysis

Hungarian Business Groups Urge Changes to Draft Wealth Tax

Fourteen Hungarian business organizations have issued a joint statement calling for changes to the proposed wealth tax, including relief for...

Analysis

AI Boom, USD 100 Oil and 5% Bond Yields Reshape Investment Outlook

An AI-driven technology rally, oil prices above USD 100 and U.S. Treasury yields around 5% are reshaping investment opportunities, according...

Analysis

VOSZ Business Confidence Index Declines in Q3 2026

Hungarian business association VOSZ’s business confidence index fell two percentage points to 50% in the third quarter of 2026, according...

Analysis

Editorial: In Praise of the Diplomatic Dance

The improved mood evident across Hungary following the Tisza government’s assumption of power appears to have extended well beyond the...

Analysis

EY Urges Early Preparation for Hungary’s Proposed Wealth Tax

Hungary’s proposed wealth tax could create new obligations for wealthy individuals, trusts and private foundations, with the first assessment generally...

Analysis

IMF Sees Window for Hungary’s Economic Revival, Urges Swift Reforms

Hungary has a “uniquely favorable window of opportunity” to revitalize its economy, but must act quickly to turn market confidence...

Analysis

Equilor: 2033 Earliest Date for Hungary to Adopt the Euro

Hungary could adopt the euro no earlier than 2033, according to a new assessment by Equilor Investment, which acknowledges improving...