GKI: The Hungarian economy before elections

Although Hungary’s GDP expanded slightly faster than expected in 2017, by 4 per cent and considerably faster than the EU average, its growth rate was moderate in the CEE region. GKI do not change its GDP forecast of 3.8 per cent and investments forecast of 9 per cent for 2018. However, it raises the projected increase in consumption from 3.5 per cent to 4 per cent. Although last year’s soar of construction slows down in 2018 due to the high statistical base, this sector continues to grow fastest. Similarly to last year, industry will grow by 5 per cent in 2018. The decline in agriculture in 2017 is expected to be followed by some increase this year. Public administration will stagnate, whereas some acceleration can be expected in the financial sector. Compared to its previous projections, GKI cut its inflation rate forecast from 3 per cent to 2.7 per cent, and its unemployment forecast from 4 per cent to 3.7 per cent.

You can download the forecast from here.