Business

Croatian National Bank Raises Economy Growth Estimate

By 13 July 2016

The Croatian National Bank (HNB) has raised the estimate of economic growth in this year from 1.8 to 2.3%, while expecting an even higher 2.5% in the next

In December of last year the national bank estimated the economy to grow at a 1.8% rate, Tportal.hr reported on July 13, 2016.

“In discussing economic movement, the HNB council concluded the Croatian economy continues to recover in 2016, with an expected growth rate of 2.3%,” a statement said after a session where the newest economic and financial trends were considered and a monetary policy projection adopted for the period until 2019.

HNB expects the largest contribution to economic growth to come from international demand, but also from a rise of all elements of domestic demand. The growth of personal spending might be higher than last year, due to a faster growth of employment and gross salaries.

“Along with keeping a stable conversion rate, HNB will continue to support an expansive monetary policy. Such an orientation aids favourable conditions for financing of all domestic sectors, with a slight recovery in domestic loans,” the statement said.

“Structural weaknesses in the form of a relatively high public and foreign debt still remain a threat to financial stability, especially in the case of significant growth of interest rates on the international market,” HNB messaged.

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