Southeast Europe / Data
Turkey’s reserves head to minus territory, lira flat and bond yields break records
Economy experiencing unprecedented portfolio outflows described by one analyst as almost apocalyptic.
Turkey ranked 17th largest military spender in 2024 by Sipri
9% annual rise in global spending steepest recorded since at least end of Cold War.
Istanbul-listed Koc makes Top 20 for first time in Global 500 Family Business ranking
Claims 19th position with $68bn in revenues.
World Bank cuts Romania's growth forecast to lowest in the region for 2025 and 2026
The World Bank has sharply revised downward its economic growth projections for Romania, now expecting GDP to grow by just 1.3% in 2025 and 1.9% in 2026.
Romania's public deficit reaches new record in 2024
Romania posted the widest general government budget deficit among EU member states at 9.3% of GDP, nearly three times the EU average.
Tourism record set as almost one million hot air balloon passengers take to sky in Turkey during 2024
Flights held in seven regions.
Abdi Ipekci remains most expensive shopping avenue in Istanbul
Monthly prime rent on luxury retail street $250 per square metre.
Fertility rate crashes to critical levels in Turkey
President Erdogan has warned problem could reach “irreparable proportions”.
Foreign investors still selling Turkish papers
FX firepower Erdogan regime has at its disposal declines further, but is still a substantial distance from hitting previous lows.
Romania’s public debt takes a break and stays flat in January at 54.8% of GDP
Romania’s rapidly rising public debt (chart) remained steady through January, ending the month at RON964.4bn (€193.8bn), or 46.8% of GDP, according to data published by the Finance Ministry.
Romania’s trade deficit expands 32% in February as exports falter and imports surge
Romania’s foreign trade (chart) deficit widened by 32% year on year in February 2025, reaching €2.74bn, as export volumes declined and imports continued to rise, according to figures published by the National Institute of Statistics.
Moldova’s current account deficit hits 16% of GDP in 2024, but BoP correction cannot be avoided
Moldova’s current account deficit (chart) widened by 54% year on year to $2.9bn in 2024, driven primarily by an 18% increase in the trade deficit, which reached $4.7bn, according to data published by the National Bank of Moldova.
Turkey still burning through reserves to keep lira at 38.00 against USD
Excess lira liquidity in banking system on April 7 turned negative for first time since September.
Foreign investors sell Turkish papers in record amounts following jailing of Imamoglu
$4.8bn worth sold in two-week period, central bank data shows.
Romania to hold policy rate steady amid internal and external risks
The National Bank of Romania is expected to maintain its benchmark interest rate (chart) at 6.5% during its monetary board meeting on April 7, as high internal and external risks prompt caution among policymakers.
Fitch keeps eye on Turkey’s reserves to assess impact of Imamoglu unrest
Says state has capacity to manage current level of volatility.
Romania’s industrial price inflation jumps to 4.0% in February amid energy sector surge
February data highlights the growing influence of energy pricing on Romania's industrial inflation and signals potential volatility ahead.
Turkey’s official inflation dips to 38.10% in March
Softer-than-expected figure suggests sell-off in lira hasn’t exerted significant upwards pressure on consumer prices, says analyst.
Contraction in Turkish manufacturing has lasted full 12 months, March PMI data shows
Inflationary pressures remained marked. Firms had to contend with ongoing impacts of currency weakness.
Romania’s PMI negative for ninth consecutive month
Despite decline in PMI, Erste analysts say there has been an improvement in the external environment thanks to fiscal stimulus programmes adopted by Romania's trading partners.