Economic Update Dutch version
Generally good start to the year puts forecast of 1% growth for this year under pressure. The economy is expected to return to slower growth in 2017. High inflation and public debt are structural risks for economic growth in the medium to longer term.
Economic Update Dutch version
We expect to see the Belgian economy grow by 1¼% in 2015 and 1½% in 2016. In 2015, growth is mainly driven by an increase in private consumption, while net exports will also contribute positively in 2016.
Economic Update
We expect the Belgian economy to grow by around 1¼% in 2015, supported by household consumption and exports. There will be further economic growth (1½%) in 2016, driven by the global economy and investment, but consumption growth will then slow down.
Economic Update
Economic growth in the third quarter of 2014 was 0.3% q-o-q and was mainly supported by private investments and private consumption. Looking forward, domestic demand growth is likely to soften.
Economic Update
Recent data shows that the Belgian economic recovery remained in place, but weakened in the second quarter of 2014. Going forward, we expect the recovery of the Belgian economy to continue in the second half of 2014, but the pace is likely to be sluggish.
Economic Update
Recent data show that the economic recovery remains in place as GDP volume grew 0.4% q-o-q on the back of private consumption and fixed investment. Going forward, the newly to be formed government is likely to pursue more pro-business policy measures.
Economic Update
In the final quarter of 2013, GDP volume rose with 0.5% q-o-q. Looking forward, the economic recovery is expected to push through as the economy faces fewer headwinds. Nevertheless, a full revival of economic growth and the labour market needs time.
Economic Update
The economic recovery carries on as growth of domestic demand increases. Fiscal policy will be less distortive next year and inflation remains low. However, high unemployment and also wage moderation still limit private consumption growth.
Economic Update
In 13Q2, the Belgian economy climbed out of recession. The recovery is expected to continue at a gradual pace on the back of stronger external demand. It will probably take a while until the labour market starts to recover.
Economic Update
In 13Q2, GDP growth turned positive after stagnation in 13Q1. Going forward, the recovery is expected to continue, but at a fairly slow pace and subject to downside risks. Robust labour market recovery is not expected before the end of the year.
Economic Update
In the first quarter GDP grew by 0.1%. We do not expect domestic demand to support economic activity in 13Q2. By violating EU's budgetary rules, Belgium risks a fine and the government is forced to announce additional fiscal austerity measures.
Economic Update
Declining producer and consumer sentiment points to a very weak pace of economic activity going forward. In addition, the relatively large fiscal adjustment in 2013 will act as a strong headwind to economic growth.
Economic Update
GDP contracted slightly in 12Q4. Growth is expected to have been week across the board and is not likely to rebound strongly in 2013. On the upside, inflation is on a downward trend and agreements are reached to keep labour costs in check.