Analysis
In-depth analyses, informed forecasts, and interpretations of important events and trends.
Developers refuse to write code without AI, despite signs of declining productivity
Programmers are increasingly dependent on AI assistants, but studies show more errors, higher maintenance costs, and an "illusion of speed" that could trap teams in the long run.
European airline stocks jump due to falling oil prices and hopes for an Iran deal
Shares of leading European airlines rose sharply as oil prices fell amid optimism over a potential agreement between the US and Iran and the possible resumption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Labor productivity in Bulgaria: more work, less income – what sets us apart from Western Europe
Bulgarians work more hours than the EU average, but generate only about 40% of European hourly productivity. The difference stems from the structure of the economy, the level of technology, and management, rather than "lazy" or "overly industrious" workers.
The shadow economy and cash: how distorted is the real image of Bulgaria's GDP?
The shadow economy and cash payments distort data on GDP, employment, and tax revenues in Bulgaria, affecting competition and undermining trust in the system. An analysis of the scale, schemes, and effects on official statistics.
Cheap loans and expensive living: is a new credit overheating threatening households and businesses?
Mortgages and consumer loans are growing at double-digit rates, property prices are at record highs, and interest rates are still relatively low. Is there a risk that households and companies will "drown" in debt and to what extent does the banking sector remain resilient?
Tourism as a systemic sector: how risky is it to depend on seasons and global shocks?
Tourism generates up to 10% of global GDP and millions of jobs, but is highly vulnerable to wars, pandemics, and shifts in consumer tastes. Countries are seeking salvation in diversification – from spa and rural to cultural and medical tourism.
Saudi Arabia's oil production falls to lowest level since the 1990 Gulf War
Against the backdrop of the war with Iran and the blocked Strait of Hormuz, Saudi production has plummeted to a 36-year low, and the formal increase in OPEC+ quotas remains only on paper.
Inflation is falling, prices remain: why life is more expensive for households with no turning back
Official inflation is slowing down, but bills for food, housing, and transport remain at record highs following a nearly 43% price increase over five years. What lies behind the disconnect between macro-statistics and the feeling that "life has become more expensive and isn't getting cheaper."
Crisil: The Hormuz Strait crisis is the largest energy shock in history
The prolonged blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has caused unprecedented disruptions in global energy, food, and transport markets. Crisil and the IEA speak of the most serious threat to energy security to date.
Economists warn: Inflation in Bulgaria is yet to accelerate
Bulgaria is entering an inflationary spiral once again – after a brief lull, prices are heading upward, and economists see a risk of inflation higher than official forecasts in 2026–2027.
New vs. old construction: where are prices rising and what will happen in 2026?
New buildings are getting more expensive faster and dictating trends, but the majority of transactions are still in the old housing stock. In 2026, more moderate growth and a clearer distinction by quality and "green" characteristics are expected.
How accessible is housing for Bulgarian families in 2026?
Property prices are growing faster than incomes, mortgages have become more expensive, and the "affordability index" shows that an average family needs over 8–10 years of income for a standard apartment.
The Bulgarian economy by 2028: sustainable growth and a more moderate real estate market
GDP growth forecasts of about 3% annually, record housing index levels, moderate property price appreciation, and construction activity outline a new, more balanced cycle for the Bulgarian economy until 2028.
Is it still "cheap"? The Bulgarian real estate market through the eyes of a foreign investor
In 5–10 years, entry prices in Bulgaria have jumped several times over, rental yields have stabilized around 4.5–5%, and residency by investment now requires about 300,000 euros. At what point does a "cheap" market stop being cheap?
"From a bubble to a new peak": how housing prices in Bulgaria have changed over 20 years
Over two decades, our housing market went from the 2007 bubble through a collapse after the 2008–2009 crisis to a new, even stronger growth after 2015, with prices jumping by about 157% from 2015 to the end of 2025.