Croatia had another successful year in macroeconomic terms, despite a number of challenges along the way. The domestic economy continued to grow propped up by expanding personal consumption and favourable exports performance. Positive trends also continued in the labour market, with declining unemployment, while inflation returned to positive territory. The current account remained in surplus, supported by growing exports, while external vulnerability indicators have continued improving. Fiscal policy commitment to a balanced budget ensured the continued decrease in public debt. Expansionary monetary policy supported economic recovery and improvement in financing conditions – interest rates fell and lending recovered.
October 19, 2018