Since 2012, economic growth has been high, driven by private consumption which accounts for about 70% of the economy. Growth has also been sustained by rising demand for exports.
Payment behaviour in the ICT sector has been good over the past two years, and the number of payment delays and insolvencies is expected to remain low.
In 2018, economic growth is expected to remain above 2%, sustained by domestic and international demand. The momentum is forecast to slow down in 2019.
Economic expansion remains broad-based, driven by private consumption and business investments, while export growth is sustained by the eurozone demand.
In 2018 and 2019 economic growth is expected to moderate somewhat but to remain robust, with private consumption and investment remaining the key drivers.
A potential downside risk would be another deterioration in house prices, given high levels of mortgage debt and banks’ exposure to the housing market.