Bulgaria Consumer Mood Worsens to Over 2-Year Low

Bulgaria’s consumer confidence fell to -25.1 in Q4 2025 from -21.1 in the previous period, marking the weakest reading since Q2 2023. The deterioration reflected more negative assessments of households’ financial situation over the past 12 months (-24.1 vs -21.3 in Q3) and worsening expectations for the year ahead (-21.6 vs -16.8), alongside rising uncertainty about future finances (-14.6 vs -11.0). Sentiment toward the broader economy also weakened, with assessments of economic conditions over the past year falling to -50.1 from -46.6 and expectations for the next 12 months declining to -36.2 from -31.6. Inflation perceptions remained elevated, as assessments of price increases edged higher (63.1 vs 62.1), although inflation expectations eased slightly (33.2 vs 33.6). Unemployment concerns intensified (23.5 vs 15.0), while households became more cautious, with weaker sentiment toward major purchases (-31.1 vs -25.7), a more negative saving outlook (-40.2 vs -33.4).

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).