Bi-Weekly Report 21 November-4 December 2017

 Turkey                                                                                    

Banking sector bottom line reached a record high in 9M:17, mainly due to the authorities' strong support to credit activity

Romania

The banking sector bottom line improved further in Q3:17, mainly due to a slowdown in provisioning

Bulgaria

The profitability of the banking system deteriorated in Q3:17, mainly due to higher provisioning

Serbia

The current account deficit widened due to a sharp rise in the energy bill in 9M:17

FYROM

The current account deficit narrowed markedly by 0.9 pps of GDP y-o-y in 9M:17, on the back of an improved trade balance and transfers

The IMF stressed that fiscal consolidation and the acceleration of structural reforms are key to reviving economic growth and maintaining economic and financial stability

Albania

The unemployment rate declined further, to a 4½-year low of 14.3% in Q2:17

Albania's competitiveness deteriorated in the World Bank Ease of Doing Business Report 2018

Cyprus                                                                                     

A sharp improvement in the fiscal balance, by 1.9 pps y-o-y to a surplus of 2.6% of GDP in 10M:17, mainly due to a tax revenue overperformance

Real estate prices gained momentum in Q2:17 (up 1.1% y-o-y)

Egypt

The tourism sector continues to recover, mainly supported by a cheaper domestic currency and improved security conditions

The unemployment rate fell below 12%, for the first time in 6 years, in Q1:17/18 (11.9%)

Appendix: Financial Markets