Bulgaria Consumer Confidence Improves in Q3

Bulgaria’s consumer confidence index rose to -25.7 in the third quarter of 2026 from -28.6 in the previous quarter. Consumers became less pessimistic regarding the 12-month outlook for the general economy (-25.4 vs -33.1 in Q2) and their financial situation (-23 vs -25.6). At the same time, inflation expectations eased significantly (14.4 vs 26.4), suggesting that households expect a slower pace of price increases over the coming year. Moreover, consumers also had a better assessment of their ability to purchase durable goods, both in the current period (-40.7 vs -44.4) and over the next 12 months (-15.8 vs -17). Expectations for household savings also improved (-56.4 vs -60.8). Meanwhile, concerns about the labour market increased, with unemployment expectations worsening (19.2 vs 18.2).

Bulgaria’s consumer confidence fell further to -28.6 in Q2 2026 from -25.9 in the previous quarter, marking the weakest reading since Q2 2023. The decline was driven by worsening assessments of households’ financial situation over the past 12 months (-38.6 vs -25.8 in Q1 2026) and expectations for the year ahead (-25.6 vs -23.9), alongside greater uncertainty about future finances (-22.2 vs -19.4). Sentiment toward the broader economy also weakened for the past 12 months (-63 vs -49.3), while expectations for the next year improved slightly (-33.1 vs -34). Meanwhile, inflation perceptions over the past 12 months surged (76.7 vs 58.3), though consumers expected price pressures to ease over the coming year (26.4 vs 32.8). Concerns about unemployment in the next 12 months moderated (18.2 vs 22.3), while sentiment toward making major purchases weakened further (-44.4 vs -37.5). At the same time, current views on the ability to save money became less favorable (-47 vs -39).

Bulgaria’s consumer confidence fell to -25.9 in Q1 2026 from -25.1 in Q4, the weakest since Q2 2023. The deterioration reflected weaker household finances over past 12 months (-25.8 vs -24.1 in Q4) and worse expectations (-23.9 vs -21.6), plus higher uncertainty (-19.4 vs -14.6). Broader economy views were mixed: past-year assessments slightly improved (-49.3 vs -50.1) and next-12-month expectations less negative (-34.0 vs -36.2). Inflation perceptions eased, with price assessments at 58.3 vs 63.1 and expectations at 32.8 vs 33.2, while unemployment expectations eased to 22.3 vs 23.5. However, spending caution increased, with weaker views on major purchases (-37.5 vs -31.1) and durable goods intentions (-19.8 vs -18.6). Households' budget assessments edged down (1.6 vs 3.1), while savings expectations improved (-54.2 vs -55.6). Big-ticket intentions remained weak, including car (-76.0 vs -74.9), housing (-87.6 vs -89.0), and home improvements (-67.4 vs -66.2) .