BULGARIA MACROECONOMIC OVERVIEW Q2 2021

Economic Overview

After contracting by 4.2% in 2020, GDP is expected to rebound by 4.6% in 2021 and 4.9% in 2022, returning to its-pre pandemic level and exceeding it. The reopening of the economy should create renewed strength in household demand and business investment, which will replace government spending (exceeding €3.5 bn in 2021) as the main engine of growth. Household spending has remained the same during the pandemic because of the preservation of jobs. The economic recovery will be reflected in slight improvements in the labor market with unemployment falling to ∼5%.

Since the beginning of the year, the CPI has increased by a stable 2.3% and by a healthy 3.0% YoY. Overall inflation for the year is expected to be 1.9% and will accelerate to 2.5% in 2022, which is a sign of recovery and economic growth. An indicator of recovery, not only domestically but internationally, is the spike in exports and imports for Q1 and Q2.

Bulgaria stands last in vaccination rates among EU countries. High vaccination rates are a prerequisite for the economy to return to normal levels again. Accelerating vaccination has turned to an immediate policy priority, as it poses an immediate threat of another closure of the economy, currently being considered.

The government has increased its debt in 2020 and will continue to do so in 2021, to fulfill the promised SME and job support. A potential closure would mean taking on more debt and revisions of the budget. Bulgaria expects to receive EU funds, estimated at 29 billion EUR for 2021-2027, and a budget revision, which, if managed effectively, can boost the recovery, and promote investment and productivity.

The size of each economic area by Gross Value Added (GVA), as of 2020 are the following: 70.7% for the services, 27.1% for the industrial one, and 2.2% for the agricultural one.

Of the top 300 companies in Bulgaria, 16.7% are in the industry of fuels and equally as much is in the energy industry. 15.9% relate to retail, followed by 14.3% in metals. The revenue from these 300 companies is a combined 54 billion EUR. In terms of GVA, the leading sector with 22% of GVA, mostly connected with manufacturing and energy is pretty much related to the leaders in the top 300.

The second-largest sector with 19%: trade, repairs, warehousing, hotels, and restaurants. Most of it comes from (hotels and restaurants) which takes up 15% of the GDP. The period June-September accounts for over 50% of the yearly arrivals in the country.

Political Overview

Bulgaria joined ERM II in July 2020, which is a step closer to joining the Eurozone. The euro convergence criteria include price stability, sound public finance, exchange, and interest rate stability. If successful, Bulgaria will join the Eurozone in 2022.

In recent years there have been crackdowns on political and administrative corruption in Bulgaria, which has alleviated foreign direct investment (3.5% of GDP) in the country and has made larger corporations less wary of the obstacles that usually come with growth and recognition.

The first parliamentary elections this year were won by GERB, however, due to the rising opposition from other parties, they were not able to form a government. In a surprising turn of events, in the second parliamentary elections this year, a new center-right party, ITN, was able to win the elections instead of GERB, which has not occurred in 12 years.

This year was also remarkable with the implementation of Magnitsky Sanctions by the U.S. on three major figures in corruption, two of which are allegedly the wealthiest businessmen in Bulgaria: Delyan Peevski and Vasil Bojkov, which are perceived as playing a big part in growing corruption locally.

Currently, an interim government with the highest historical approval rate has taken over until the next (third) parliamentary elections, scheduled for the 3^rd of October.

Bulgaria has very favorable policies and environments for business-making. The corporate tax rate is the lowest in the EU- 10%, with a VAT rate of 20%. The dividend tax rate is 5%. It has the lowest competitive cost of labor (€2/h) and office space rental in the EU (€8-14/sqm). In addition, Bulgaria is among the worldwide leaders in broadband quality and internet speeds.

Bulgaria has established itself as a top IT outsourcing country, being in 5^th place in the world and 1^st in Eastern Europe. It is the fastest growing industry, with a pool of 75,000 IT specialists, and currently accounts for 10% of the GDP.

There is no shortage of workforce: 60,500 graduates are produced each year, 70% of them studying English.

Markets Overview

The main index SOFIX has risen 26.6% since the beginning of 2021 and 31.2% YTD. However, it has yet to return and surpass its pre-pandemic levels. The total market capitalization of the Bulgarian Stock Exchange reached EUR 5.6 billion as of the end of August, which is an increase of 32% compared to the end of August 2020.

The two dominant industries on the Bulgarian markets by market capitalization are Financial and insurance activities, with 42% of the market cap and manufacturing, with 28%.

New innovative markets were introduced in 2021. The first one is „BEAM“ growth market, which allows for the listing of small-medium cap firms to be traded on a market separate from the main market. This market lets innovative companies gain access to capital markets funding, subject to less stringent regulation and requirements, which encourages entrepreneurship in the country.

The biggest gainers in terms of market cap on the Bulgarian Stock Exchange for 2021 Q2 have been local REITs and real estate firms. Despite the freeze of the market in the spring, the housing sector ended the year positively with growth in demand and prices. In 2021, Bulgarian housing prices continue to rise, with a 5.4% YoY price change.

There is a gradual recovery of the urban and resort real estate markets in Bulgaria. There are several reasons for future optimism: the optimal level of supply and demand, low mortgage rates (<3.0%), expectations of the imminent entry of Bulgaria into the Schengen zone, and the transition to the Euro.

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