Combine rebounding investment with continued strength in private spending and you have a recipe for stronger economic growth. October's set of data suggests that GDP growth in the fourth quarter is likely to beat the 3.7% year-on-year rate posted in the third. At the same time, inflation is declining, which paves the way for another rate cut in December
Poland's industrial output surprised positively in September, but the outlook is uncertain as some auto producers plan plant closures and production pauses by the end of 2025. Wage growth in services is easing; employment is falling amid labour shortages. Policymakers may await more data before resuming rate cuts in 2026
Some of the best performing currencies in the CEE region have started to hand back some of their gains as markets question whether central banks will have to turn more dovish. That's particularly been the case in Hungary. However, our call is that rate cuts are delayed, and the forint can continue to enjoy carry trade interest. CZK and ZAR should also do well
Retail sales in July rose by 4.8%YoY in Poland, rebounding from June’s weaker 2.2% figure. The June dip was a one-off weakness and most likely reflected a temporary shift in consumer spending from goods to services, driven by increased travel and hospitality outlays during the Corpus Christi long weekend
July's macro data bolsters the case for the National Bank of Poland to continue its monetary easing path. Growth in industry remains slow, construction is still stagnant, wage increases have eased, and the employment decline has deepened. We expect a 25bp cut in early September, with the policy rate falling to 4.25% at the end of 2025 from the current 5.00%
