Bulgaria Consumer Mood Worsens in Q3

Bulgaria’s consumer confidence dropped to -25.1 in the fourth quarter of 2025 from -21.1 in the previous three month. This marked the lowest reading since the third quarter of 2023, as consumers continued to be pessimistic regarding the financial situation for their households (-21.6 vs -16.8 in Q3), and the economic situation of Bulgaria for the next twelve months (-36.2% vs -31.6%). In addition, households were less likely to make major purchases for durable goods in the present (-31.1% vs -25.7%), and current assessments on saving propensity were more negative (-40.2% vs -33.4%). Moreover, concerns heightened for unemployment for the next twelve months (23.5% vs 15%). Meanwhile, concerns for inflation softened (33.2% vs 33.6%).

Bulgaria’s consumer confidence dropped to -21.1 in the third quarter of 2025 from -16.4 in the previous three-month period. This marked the lowest reading since the fourth quarter of 2023, as consumers turned more pessimistic regarding the financial situation for their households (-16.8 vs -7.7 in Q2) and the economic situation of Bulgaria for the next 12 months (-31.6 vs -21). At the same time, households were less likely to make major purchases for durable goods in the present (-25.7 vs -31.8) and current assessments on saving propensity were more negative (-33.4 vs -31.4). Lastly, concerns for the next twelve months were heightened about inflation (33.6 vs 18.8), while lesser for unemployment (15 vs 19.5).

Bulgaria’s consumer confidence indicator rose to -16.4 in the second quarter of 2025 from an over one-year low of -19.5 in the previous three-month period. Consumers were less pessimistic regarding the economic situation of Bulgaria for the next 12 months (-21 vs -26.3) and the financial situation of their household (-7.7 vs -12.8). At the same time, assessments on saving propensity improved a year from now (-48 vs -50.8). Meanwhile, households were more unlikely to incur major purchases for durable goods (-21.5 vs -20.6) and concern was amplified for unemployment for the next twelve months (19.5 vs 18). Lastly, tension on inflation softened (18.8 vs 25.7).