At the same time, economic confidence deteriorated in August amid worsening expectations about economic evolution, the exchange rate and interest rates.
The Macroeconomic Confidence Index of CFA Romania Association dropped by 4.8 points in August, to 39.5 points. The current conditions component remained steady, while the anticipations one lost 7.2 points to 40.8 points.
According to Adrian Codirlasu, President of CFA Romania Association, respondents also expect the stagflation situation to persist.
For end-2026, the expectations average points to economic growth of just 0.1% and CFA underlines there were also respondents anticipating recession.
At the same time, the budgetary gap is forecast at 5.8% of GDP, down 0.2% from the previous survey.
The anticipated rate of inflation for the 12 month-period stands at 6.09%, slightly below the level projected in the previous survey. At the same time, 84% of respondents expect inflation to go down in the next 12 months from the current level.
Nine in ten respondents expect the domestic currency to decline in the next 12 months. The average estimated value is 5.3122 units per euro in six months and 5.3628 units per euro in 12 months.
Public debt calculated as a percentage of GDP is forecast to climb to 63% in the next 12 months.
With regard to the housing market, 64% of respondents expect housing prices to stagnate in the next 12 months, while 26% forecast a decline and the same percentage an increase. Also, 63% of participants consider current prices are overvalued.
Amid geopolitical tensions and the Iran war, the survey also included a question about Brent oil price evolution in the next 12 months. The expectations average points to $87 per barrel, with CFA specifying, though, that uncertainty remains high.
(English version by Catalina Apostoiu)