Stability of rates in Czechia and Hungary

Czechia and Hungary will be in the spotlight this week, as these two countries have central bank meetings scheduled. We do not expect any change in the policy rate in either of these two countries. In Hungary, new inflation and growth forecasts will be released as well, which may determine the path of monetary policy. Retail sales growth will be published in Poland, Slovenia and Croatia. After some disappointment regarding the performance of industry in Poland in February, it will be interesting to see whether retail sales growth surprises to the downside as well, or instead meets expectations. Finally, February’s unemployment rate will be published in Poland and Hungary and January’s real wage growth in Serbia. On Friday, after market close, S&P is scheduled to review the rating and outlook of Czechia. We do not expect any change.