Hungary’s economy expanded around 1% and consumer prices rose 8% in 2007. In its latest macroeconomic forecast, Pénzügykutató projects investments growth will reach 2.3-3% in 2008. Household consumption will inch up just 1% after falling in 2007. Pénzügykutató puts Hungary’s 2008 current-account deficit at €5.3 billion ($8.4 billion). It sees the general government deficit narrowing to 4% of GDP. It sees the central bank base rate dropping from 8.00% to 7.50% by year-end. Asked whether Hungary would benefit from possible tax cuts in 2009, Pénzügykutató analyst László Antal said tax cuts should only be made in a quickly expanding economy, or if there is a political consensus. (MTI-Econews)