Analysis

Czech Manufacturing PMI Contracts in January

The Czech Republic manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) increased to 44.6 in January of 2023 from 42.6 in the previous...

Analysis

Czech Economy Now in Technical Recession

The Czech Republic's economic output contracted for the second straight quarter in the three months ending in December, largely due...

Analysis

Hungary the Most Corrupt Country in EU According to TI

Hungary is the most corrupt EU Member State, according to Transparency International's (TI) 2022 Corruption Perceptions Index....

Analysis

Slovakia Business Morale Less Negative in January

The industrial confidence indicator in Slovakia rose by 3.4 points to -12.3 in January, from a 31-month low of -15.7...

Analysis

Minister: Inflation Could ‘Fall Drastically’

Minister of Economic Development Márton Nagy said inflation could "fall drastically" after the impact of a scrapped motor fuels price...

Analysis

‘Wait and see’ Characterizes Most Real Estate Sectors at Start of 2023

Investors will continue to show interest in the Hungarian and Central European investment markets with a yield premium for quality,...

Analysis

The 2023 Budapest Business Journal Wishlist

As has become a tradition in recent years, the Budapest Business Journal invited a variety of people from across Hungary,...

Analysis

Eurozone Private Sector Expands in December

Eurozone private sector returned to growth at the start of the year after six consecutive months of contraction, raising hopes...

Analysis

Czech Economic Sentiment, Consumer Confidence Rises in January

The Czech Republic's economic sentiment and consumer confidence improved in January, survey results from the Prague-based Czech Statistical Office (CZSO)...

Analysis

Most Students Believe Universities Below European Standards

The majority of full-time students at domestic universities, 55%, believe the education system does not meet European standards, while 31%...

Analysis

Austrian Business Mostly Pessimistic on CEE Business Climate in 2023

Over half, or 54% of Austrian companies active in the Central and Eastern European (CEE), predict the economic climate in...

Analysis

Hungarians Care More About Meat Than Environment

Almost the entire Hungarian society would like to live in a more environmentally friendly way in the next year. Still,...

Analysis

Key Economic and Financial Drivers to Watch in 2023

There is an old joke that the role of economic forecasters is to make astrologers look good. Forecasting GDP or...

Analysis

Navracsics Delighted by EC agreement, but Funding Dependent on Conditionality

In mid-December, the European Commission and Hungary adopted a “partnership agreement” that includes a “detailed roadmap” that specifies the institutional...

Analysis

Editorial: A Positive Start to 2023. What Next?

It used to be fashionable around the end of the year for news organizations to offer a “school report” on...

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...