Bulgaria Consumer Confidence Weakest in 4 Years

Bulgaria’s consumer confidence index fell to -32.6 in the fourth quarter of 2026 from -25.7 in the previous quarter, reaching its lowest level since Q2 2022. Assessments of the general economic situation deteriorated both for the past 12 months (-68 vs -57.1 in Q3) and the next 12 months (-37.5 vs -25.4). Consumers’ expectations regarding household financial situations also worsened, both over the past 12 months (-45 vs -38.6) and the coming year (-26.8 vs -23). At the same time, inflation expectations for the past 12 months increased (80.5 vs 73.9), while expectations for the next year edged down slightly (14.3 vs 14.4). Moreover, assessments of the ability to purchase durable goods also became more pessimistic, both for current (-41.3 vs -40.7) and for the next 12 months (-21.2 vs -15.8). Expectations regarding the ability to save over the coming year deteriorated further (-59.3 vs -56.4). Meanwhile, concerns about unemployment intensified, rising to 20.9 from 19.2.

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).