Central Europe / Data
Polish retail sales ease growth to 3% y/y in May
Middle East conflict and slower real income growth are limiting consumption growth, ING analysts said.
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Czech regulator hikes rates by 0.25bp to 3.75% in first monetary change in 13 months
The Czech National Bank changed the main interest rate for the first time since May 2025.
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Slovak inflation slows down slightly to 3.8% in May
Inflation falls from 3.9% registered in April amid rising fuel prices in connection with the war in the Middle East.
Czech inflation confirmed at 2.1% y/y in May
High fuel prices have not pushed up food prices in Czechia, but warned the Middle East conflict is expected to affect other categories.
Fitch cuts Poland’s 2026 GDP growth forecast by 0.3pp to 3.3%
Fitch Global Ratings cut its forecast for Poland’s economic growth in 2026 to 3.3% from 3.6%, citing weaker GDP data and lower external demand, the rating agency said on June 8.
Hungary's economy gains momentum in Q1 with consumption driving growth
Consumer spending rose sharply as households benefited from sizeable pre-election fiscal transfers and improving confidence.
Poland's WSE main market trading volume dips 4.4% y/y in May despite strong underlying activity
WIG index closed the month at 137,007.44 points, gaining 35% y/y.
Weaker investment and consumption hold back Polish GDP expansion in Q1
Poland's GDP grew 3.5% y/y in the first quarter, as household consumption and investment both weakened.
Hungarian central bank remains cautious, keeps base rate on hold at 6.25%
MNB says global risks remain elevated due to energy and commodity price volatility and disruption in global supply chains.
Poland expected to top EU growth in 2026 as momentum offsets impact of Middle East turmoil
Poland’s economy is expected to remain among the European Union’s strongest performers in 2026, second only to Malta, European Commission says.