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Czech industry output increases by 1.4% y/y in March
Czech industrial production increased by 1.4% year-on-year and by 0.4% month-on-month in March (chart), driven by electricity production and maintaining the growth trajectory.
Czech National Bank cuts by 25bp as easing cycle comes to an end
The Czech National Bank reduced its base interest rate by 25 basis points to 3.5% on May 7, marking its fourth consecutive rate cut and signalling that the easing cycle is nearing its end, ING said in a note on May 7.
Kazakh service sector activity growth strongest in nine months, shows April PMI
Sustained optimism amid stronger competition noted. Rising price pressures a worry.
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Hungary’s retail recovery slowed in March despite government intervention in food prices
Hungary’s retail sector lost some momentum in March, with sales volumes falling 0.5% from the previous month despite the government-introduced profit margin cap in effect from the middle of the month.
Investment plans of German-owned companies slump to post-crisis low
Hungary’s German business community is growing increasingly pessimistic, with corporate investment sentiment hitting its weakest level since the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis.
GDP growth in North Macedonia projected at 3.3% in 2025, but risks remain, says IMF
Growth to be driven by stronger domestic demand, public investment and increased consumption, supported by government transfers and rising real wages.
Poland’s NBP cuts key rate by 50bp to 5.25% in first easing move since 2023
The National Bank of Poland (NBP) has cut its reference interest rate by 50bp to 5.25% - the first reduction in two years - on May 7
Poland’s unemployment rate inches up 0.1pp y/y to 5.2% in April
The unemployment rate in Poland increased minimally by 0.1pp y/y to come in at 5.2% in April, the Ministry of Family and Social Policy said in an estimate on May 6.
BioNTech boss ranked second on Forbes’ richest Turks list
Ugur Sahin and wife and business partner Ozlem Tureci became weathly thanks to a COVID vaccine.
Russia’s service sector PMI stagnate at 50.1 in April for a second month
Business activity in Russia’s private sector showed signs of stagnation in April, with services growth flatlining and manufacturing output continuing to decline, according to the latest PMI data released by S&P Global.
Albanian lek hits record high against euro
Lek soars against the European single currency, boosted by seasonal inflows from tourism, rising foreign investment and Albania’s tight fiscal policy,
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Czech inflation slows down to 1.8% y/y in April, flash estimate shows
Growth of the consumer price indices slowed down to 1.8% year on year and dropped by 0.1% month on month in April (chart), according to the flesh estimate released by the Czech Statistical Office (CZSO).
Moldova's government hopes for 2% economic growth this year
Moldovan government's projection is more optimistic than recent estimates from international financial institutions.
Turkey’s inflation dips further to 37.9% in April
But not according to independent economists. They say the headline rate increased to 80% from 75% in March.
Russian manufacturing downturn eases with PMI of 49.3 in April, slightly up from March, but still underwater
Slowdown in output and new sales was attributed to continued subdued demand in both domestic and international markets.
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PMI shows ongoing expansion in Kazakh manufacturing sector in April
Business activity said to remain in the optimistic zone, but the index has declined to a 14-month low.
Poland’s manufacturing conditions improve for third consecutive month in April but outlook weakens
Poland's Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) eased by 0.5 points to 50.2 in April (chart), the economic intelligence company S&P Global said on May 2.
Global press freedom indicator slips – Statista
This year's World Press Freedom Index highlights the economic situation of journalists and media organizations being a major risk to press freedom.
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Czech PMI inches up to 48.9 in April
The seasonally adjusted Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), compiled monthly by the market intelligence company S&P Global, posted 48.9 in April (chart).
PMI shows Turkish manufacturing stayed in doldrums in April, but some signs of improvement noted
Rate of input cost inflation quickened to fastest for a year amid currency weakness and higher raw material costs