The November 2017 issue of the Monthly Report on Bulgarian Economy was released. It assesses the short-term dynamics of main economic indicators.

GDP growth in Q3 2017 reached 3.8% yoy (n.s.a. data) driven by domestic demand and gross fixed capital formation, while net export had a negative contribution. On the supply side, GVA increased by 3% yoy in Q3 compared to 4.1% yoy in Q2, the deceleration was due to lower growth in construction and services. Short-term business statistics again reported somewhat mixed performance in October. Foreign industrial sales showed weaker performance, while the growth of industrial production, construction production index and retail trade accelerated during the month. The assessment of the present business situation of enterprises in all sectors worsened in November, but expectations remained favourable. The consumer confidence indicator returned to growth after some decrease in October. In Q3 2017, employment increased by 2.7% yoy, reporting its highest growth since 2014, largely on the account of agriculture. Registered unemployment rate went up by 0.2 pps mom to 6.9%.

The entire document can be downloaded here.