Ecostat's poll of Hungarian SMEs showed that pessimists outnumber optimists with regard to both their own situation (by 38% to 32%) and the state of the Hungarian economy (by 39% to 33%). However, the outlook for the Hungarian economy is overall more favourable than in the previous month, while pessimism rose regarding firms' own outlooks.
Perceiving a global recovery, especially in the US, large Hungarian firms are more optimistic regarding their business prospects and the country's economic situation in the coming months, according to the latest confidence report of research institute Ecostat.
The positive tendencies started in the second half of 2003 are expected to continue this year, with the improvement of the external environment having a beneficial effect on economic balances. Due to higher demand, more dynamic investments by companies, and increasing exports, GDP growth could rise to 3.2% in 2004, the state-owned think tank notes.
