Inflation in Hungary decreased in November, but this was mainly due to base effects and government measures. We might be starting on the downward part of the rollercoaster right now – but that means the ride may be set to shoot upwards next
It could have been a lot worse for EUR/USD this week. A set of FOMC minutes that poured cold water on a December rate cut and a strong headline rise in the US jobs report could have seen 1.1500 taken out again. But instead, investors seemed to have just delayed rather than abandoned pricing for Fed easing. And Europe may still being showing some signs of life
Inflation in Hungary showed signs of stagnation in October, yet this is still not a success story. With price pressures still above the central bank’s target, it is highly unlikely that we will see any interest rate cuts until autumn next year
In our latest update, we reassess our Hungarian economic and market forecasts at a time when we are still waiting for the end of stagnation and hoping for better days to come. The economy is starving for those order book fillings, and also a big dollop of extra confidence
Yesterday's PMI showed a mixed picture in the region, with the Czech Republic's lower-than-expected, while Poland and Hungary surprised with higher-than-expected readings. Inflation in Turkey surprised the market lower (2.6%/32.9%), in line with our estimate, and inflation returned to a declining trajectory.
Hungary's September inflation numbers came in flat as expected, but we don't take long-term comfort in that. Price pressures are still far from the central bank’s target. Looking ahead, there is some light at the end of the tunnel. A warning, though: it could be a train
Plenty of Fed speakers this week will clarify the FOMC’s policy views after Chair Powell’s cautious remarks last week. With the Dot Plot signalling two more cuts this year, we don’t expect much support for the dollar, which is looking moderately expensive in the short-term. PMIs across developed countries and the US PCE are the other highlights this week
Economic growth in Poland remains robust (3.4% year-on-year in 2Q) and is more buoyant than in other countries in Central and Eastern Europe. Industry is facing the same headwinds as CEE peers, and construction is stagnant while services are solidly expanding. Consumption growth should allow for near-4% YoY growth in the second half and 3.5% GDP in 2025
Having enjoyed a brief session on Friday of unalloyed joy as Fed Chair Jerome Powell hinted at a September rate cut, financial markets may now face some uncertainty on political developments in France and the US. We're still happy with a bearish story for the dollar, but it might have to be the more defensive Japanese yen or Swiss franc which takes the lead now
In our latest update, we reassess our Hungarian economic and market forecasts at a time when we are torn between optimism for better days ahead, the reality of the past three years, and the present, which is characterised by low confidence that is still declining. This time, pessimism has won
In May, real wage growth reached its historical average, which appears weak compared to the double-digit increases seen in previous years. This could potentially harm households' perception of their financial situation and, as a result, diminish consumer confidence
National Bank of Hungary Review: A hawkish swan song. The National Bank of Hungary kept interest rates on hold in February for the fifth consecutive month. This comes as little surprise given the overriding pro-inflationary risk, which has been well-flagged by the monetary council. Forward guidance points to a stable policy rate ahead
