Slovak jobless rate in April at its lowest level in past two years

Unemployment down from 6.67% in March to 6.54% in April.

Russian population's inflation expectations drop six points to 12.5% as economic crisis fears fade

The inflation expectations of the Russian population fell 6pp in March to 12.5%, as consumers feel the relief of the rapid stabilisation of the economy thanks to the fast action of the Central Bank of Russia.

Russia’s CBR reserves down $43.7bn since the start of the war

Russia’s gross international reserves (GIR) held by the Central Bank of Russia (CBR) have fallen from $629.4bn on February 25 to $585.7bn as of May 13, a fall of $43.7bn according to the latest data released by the regulator.

Kyrgyzstan posts 10% expansion in Jan-April industrial output

Industrial inflation exceeds 25% y/y in Moldova

The industrial price inflation in April was the second-highest since last November when Gazprom began charging much higher prices under a new contract.

Romania’s construction companies post robust 6.5% growth in Q1

The volume of construction works in Romania increased by 6.5% y/y in the first quarter of 2022.

Russians trade TV news for social media as war-weariness sets in

Trust in TV news is declining among Russians, as social media news gains popularity. At the same time, Russian support for the war in Ukraine appears to be slipping, as does the belief that Russia is winning a global power struggle.

Net FDI in Bulgaria jumps four times y/y through March to €1.05bn

The new government's pledged to improve the economic and political environment has yielded results despite the war in Ukraine and soaring energy prices.

Romania puzzles analysts with robust 6.5% GDP growth in Q1

Romania’s GDP increased by a real 6.5% y/y in the first quarter of the year, surprising analysts who had expected more damage from the war in Ukraine.

Poland’s GDP expands 9.1% y/y in Q1, brightening outlook for the year

Full-year economic growth forecast at around 5% despite Ukraine-driven slowdown.

Low base and pre-election handouts lift Hungary's GDP growth by 8.2% y/y in Q1

The impact of sanctions on Russia, higher financing costs and lower purchasing power amid rising inflation are likely to dent growth in the coming quarters.

Polish core inflation accelerates to 7.7% y/y in April

With double-digit headline inflation and accelerating core inflation readings, the National Bank of Poland is expected to keep on tightening monetary policy in the months to come.

Romania’s industrial production down 0.2% y/y in Q1 despite resilient automotive sector

The deterioration in output was visible in March, the first month after the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, at -1.6% y/y.

Hungary’s automotive sector sputters in March, but growth in electronics remains strong

Headline industrial output growth slows to 3.6% y/y, down from 4.8% in the previous month.

Poland’s CPI surges 12.4% y/y in April as statistics office revises estimate

Annual inflation up 1.4pp from the March reading, and is 0.1pp higher than the flash estimate.

Slovak inflation rate reaches its highest level since June 2000

Inflation hits 11.8%, up from the 10.4% recorded in March.

Hungary’s core inflation gallops into double-digit territory

Headline inflation in Hungary accelerated to 9.5% y/y in April, from 8.5%, while core inflation edged up from 9.1% to 10.3%.

Czech inflation in April up to its highest level since 1993

In yearly terms, inflation accelerated to 14.2% in April, up from 12.7% in March, driven mainly by price increases in housing, fuel and food.

Slovak industrial output drops by 7.3% in March

Among the sectors, energy (down 29.7% y/y), car manufacturing (down 13.9% y/y) and petroleum-based manufacturing (down 25.6% y/y) fared worst.

EBRD expects 30% GDP contraction in Ukraine in 2022, lowers emerging Europe projections

The EBRD has cut its 2022 emerging Europe growth forecasts again, reflecting a sharp downgrade for Ukraine and the regional fallout from the war and sanctions.