Housing Prices Rise in Sofia, but Affordability Improves
Housing affordability in Sofia has improved since the pandemic, making it one of the few capitals in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) to experience this positive trend
The National Statistical Institute (NSI) has unveiled the latest inflation data for January 2024, shedding light on notable shifts in consumer prices across various sectors.
According to preliminary NSI figures, January 2024 saw a monthly inflation rate of 0.5%, with annual inflation reaching 3.8%. This data provides crucial insights into the economic landscape, indicating trends in price fluctuations that impact consumers nationwide.
Key highlights from the NSI report reveal significant price increases in several essential categories compared to the previous month. Notably, the groups experiencing the largest price hikes include housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels, with a notable surge of 2.2%. Additionally, food products and soft drinks witnessed a substantial increase of 1.0%, alongside education (+0.8%) and healthcare (+0.6%).
Conversely, certain sectors experienced a decrease in prices during the same period. The NSI report indicates a notable decline in the groups of clothing and footwear (-3.5%) and transport (-1.7%), reflecting fluctuations in consumer spending patterns and market dynamics.
Of particular significance is the average annual inflation rate for the period spanning February 2023 to January 2024, which stands at 8.4% compared to the preceding twelve months.
Thousands of Bulgarian consumers who invested in the British company BETL have reported that the company has stopped paying daily dividends and appears to have ceased its operations.
In recent weeks, there has been ongoing concern regarding the state's expenses for next year, with projections showing that costs far exceed available funds
The Bulgarian National Bank (BNB) has voiced strong opposition to a proposed 10% tax on banks' excess profits, citing concerns that it would destabilize the financial sector
Economist Rumen Galabinov has stated that Bulgaria's potential future membership in the Eurozone could significantly benefit the country's economy
The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for Bulgaria in the third quarter of 2024 grew by 2.4% compared to the same period in 2023
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has projected that Bulgaria will join the eurozone in 2026
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