Imogen CalderwoodSPAIN’S economy will grow by 1.2% this year, according to predictions announced today by the central bank.
The financial forecasts indicate a gradual and modest recovery, with the gross domestic product growing by a further 1.7% in 2015.
“After the start of the recovery observed in the second half of 2013, we predict that the Spanish economy will continue to progress through this year,” the Bank of Spain said in its monthly bulletin.
If the predictions are accurate, Spain is set to see its most dramatic economic growth since 2007, shortly before a property crash threw the nation into a five-year recession.
The growth forecast will not be sufficient to dramatically reduce unemployment levels, which reached a peak of 26% at the end of 2013, but improvements have been predicted.
The Bank of Spain estimates that the unemployment rate will ease to 25% this year, and 23.8% in 2015.
But Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy’s government has a less optimistic outlook for the Eurozone’s fourth largest economy.
They have predicted a growth of 1.0% in 2014, with a further growth of 1.5% in 2015.
But both agree that the first months of 2014 indicate the forecasted growth is on track.
“Economic indicators for the first quarter of 2014 point in general to a continuation of the gradual improvement in activity,” the Bank of Spain concluded.
Huge amount of wishful thinking going on it that bank…
About time. When an ecomomy has been going backwards for so many years, a bit of growth should be expected!
Vamos a ver.
I always believe everything they tell me… to believe.
I’ll believe that when I see it…
Some good news and some bad news.
I friend here in Spain had various offers for one of her two bed flats which were refused. Finally sold recently for the price she was asking. Things are starting to move. Good news.
Heard from a very reliable person that within one week a friend had 14 offers for her two bed flat back in England. Each offer gazumping each other until the 14th person finally purchased.
The bad news is the unlucky 13 people. (rings a bell No. 13.)
Not only are we seeing growth speeding up in Spain ( “http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-05-29/spain-growth-accelerates-as-household-government-spending-rise.html” ) but there has even been the first rise in mortgages taken out for 4 years. “http://www.thelocal.es/20140529/sold-mortgages-rise-after-four-year-free-fall”
Fred ‘When an ecomomy has been going backwards for so many years, a bit of growth should be expected!’
You even say the remotest positive thing about Spain in a backhanded negative way.
So for a country that’s doomed in your eyes ‘a bit of growth should be expected’. Just laughable comments!
You TROLL about any subject regarding Spain.
I wonder how much older than the average internet troll age you are?