
Only real growth and exports will set solid standards
Economic growth is still based on one pillar, and that’s consumption. With a persistently high core inflation, the question is: for how long?
Economic growth is still based on one pillar, and that’s consumption. With a persistently high core inflation, the question is: for how long?
In Poland, the energy shield withdrawal brings prices for house energy to rise, core to increase, and CPI to remain at elevated levels.
In Poland, construction output (-8.9% YoY ) was weaker than expected, while retail sales data indicates that sentiment remains cautious.
GDP growth in Q2 2024 was close to 3% YoY only thanks to consumption. Solid market economy will be back only upon the expiration of minimum wage policy.
Despite the consumer basket being 2.5% more expensive YoY, inflation expectations have fallen – only waiting for energy prices to climb for seasonal reasons.
This year Lithuania will grow by 2% and accelerate to more than 3% in 2025-26 driven by consumption and exports. However, risks arise from demographics and taxation.
The Estonian economy remained in recession in the first quarter, but Eesti Pank is more optimistic about the second half of the year as export rebounds.
In Poland, the increase in core inflation remains a problem. The return of market electricity prices won’t leave room for rate cuts.
Difficulties in repaying loans can be a serious worry for households and businesses as the risks coming from Sweden are still high.
Timid manufacturing alongside a recovery in demand indicates weak exports, while pro-social government policies pump wages at the expense of productivity.