GKI maintains GDP growth forecast at 3.5%
Economic research institute GKI is maintaining its 2005 GDP growth forecast for Hungary at 3.5% after a downward revision in May from 3.8%. At this level, growth will still remain above the EU average, and especially growth in the German economy, which is expected at 0.5-1% in 2005, GKI notes.
January-March 2005 trade deficit EUR 569.3 million - narrows by 20% on year
Hungary's foreign trade deficit reached EUR 569.3 million in January–March 2005, according to second reading data published by the Central Statistical Office (KSH). This represents a 20.8% or EUR 149.1 million decrease in the deficit over the previous year.
Hungary's GDP growth slows to 2.9% in Q1
Hungary's GDP rose 2.9% in the first quarter of 2005, according to preliminary data released by the Central Statistical Office (KSH) Tuesday. The figure is slightly below consensus expectations of 2.98-3.04% growth.
Office vacancy rate falls to 14% in Q1, says CBRE
The office vacancy rate in Budapest has fallen to 14% in the first quarter of 2005, its lowest level since 2000, says a new report issued by property advisors CB Richard Ellis (CBRE).
Ecostat: Top-100, SME confidence plummet in May
Business confidence was down considerably in May among Hungary's largest firms as well as among SMEs, according to the latest monthly confidence reports of economic research institute Ecostat. The Top-100 confidence index stood at 50% in May, down four points since the previous month and the lowest since January 2004.
