Investment Performance 0.5% Lower than a Year Earlier

The volume of investments was 0.5% lower, according to raw data, in the 1st quarter of 2026 than in the same period of the previous year, the Central Statistical Office (KSH) reports.

Compared with the previous quarter, the total value of investments – according to seasonally adjusted data – lessened by 0.4% at comparative prices.

According to seasonally adjusted data, the performance of investments in the national economy decreased by 1.3% in the 1st quarter of 2026 compared to the same period of the previous year.

The largest contributors to the decrease in investments were manufacturing as well as real estate activities. Growing investment activity in transportation and storage slowed the reduction.

Analyzing the data published, econmic experts say there has still been no turnaround in investment; the trend that began in the second half of last year has continued. While the decline in investment activity has halted, it has not yet returned to a growth trajectory, senior analyst at the Economic Development Agency (GFÜ) Economic Analysis Center, Dániel Molnár, noted to MTI.

Investment activity is being held back by caution in the corporate sector, stemming from weak external demand, significant spare capacity, and uncertainty regarding the outlook.