Fitch Ratings has affirmed Bulgaria's Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at 'BBB' with a Positive Outlook.
Bulgaria's ratings are supported by its strong external and public balance sheets versus 'BBB' peers and credible policy framework, underpinned by EU membership and a long-standing currency board. The Positive Outlook reflects the prospects for euro adoption, which would lead to further improvement in external metrics. (…) This is balanced by low level of investments/GDP and unfavourable demographics, which weigh on potential growth and government finances over the long term. (…) Bulgaria's HICP inflation is easing but remains significantly above that of the three best performing EU member states, and it does not currently comply with the price stability criterion. Given considerable uncertainty about the inflation trajectory, it remains questionable whether Bulgaria will meet the price stability criterion in mid-2024 (the key date for 2025 euro adoption).
Bulgaria is on course to meet all other euro-adoption nominal criteria (public finances, interest rate and exchange rate). Overall, we consider euro adoption as supportive to the rating, as all else equal, the output of Fitch's proprietary Sovereign Rating Model (SRM) would improve by around two notches, Fitch Ratings states.
47% of Bulgarians disagree with the statement that Bulgaria's entry into the euro area will boost the Bulgarian economy and raise their living standards. This is the result of a national survey conducted by the Market Links agency between 27 April and..
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) forecasts an acceleration in Bulgaria's economic growth from 1.8% in 2023 to 2.5% in 2024 and to 2.9% in 2025 as public investment increases along with EU funds. OECD expects inflation..
MPs have agreed to extend the 0% VAT on bread and flour, which was due to expire on June 30, until the end of 2024. Under the GERB proposal, traders will be allowed to add a maximum of 15% profit margin on bread, but the proposal is limited to the most..
47% of Bulgarians disagree with the statement that Bulgaria's entry into the euro area will boost the Bulgarian economy and raise their living standards...
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