Press Room

Századvég presented its latest research, which aims to explore the impact of recent crises on Hungarian society. The research focused on how crises have affected social stratification, mobility and mental health. The research used a multidimensional approach, combining quantitative and qualitative methods to identify patterns of crisis impacts across different social groups and geographical units, and to explore deeper contexts and narratives.

Macro Monitor – December 2024

According to the January 2025 survey of Századvég Konjunktúrakutató, household economic sentiment remained broadly stagnant (decreasing by 0.1 index point), and business economic expectations improved significantly, by 2.3 index points, from the previous month. Thus, the household index, measured on a scale of -100 to +100, weakened to -16.1, while the business index strengthened to -12.9. In the January survey, the most positive change in household sentiment is most evident in the future planning of major expenditure. Businesses’ largest change was a marked improvement in their industry outlook.

In recent months, the emerging agricultural strategy of the European Commission, led by the newly elected Ursula von der Leyen, has caused a major stir in Hungary, as it envisages the phasing out of the current area payment scheme for farmers. The importance of this issue is shown by the fact that Hungarian farmers receive around HUF 550 billion in area payments every year, which are used by nearly 160,000 farmers, mostly family farms. The November opinion poll by Századvég investigated how Hungarian farmers feel about Brussels’ planned agricultural policy measures.

Macro Monitor – November 2024

Századvég Konjunktúrakutató estimates that the Hungarian economy will grow by 0.7% in 2024, 2.6% in 2025 and 3.1% in 2026. In the light of the Q3 GDP data, the outlook for the growth path of the Hungarian economy has deteriorated somewhat. The exchange rate risk, mainly stemming from the geopolitical situation, continues to carry uncertainty about imported inflation. Next year’s growth engine could be consumption, which we expect to grow by 3.3% next year, thanks to the economic action plan and interest payments on government bonds. Investment is expected to grow slightly, while exports are set to expand by 5.6% in 2025.

The governing parties hold a confident lead among the parties, while the disapproval of Péter Magyar has increased significantly over the past month, according to Századvég's December opinion poll.

According to the December 2024 survey of Századvég Konjunktúrakutató, household economic sentiment strengthened by 0.4 index points, and business economic expectations weakened by 0.2 index points from the previous month. Thus, the household index, measured on a scale of -100 to +100, improved to -16.0, while the business index weakened to -15.2. In the December survey, the most positive change in household sentiment was related to job stability. Businesses’ largest change was in their ability to enforce prices. Although a weaker capacity to raise prices has a negative impact on the business prosperity index through corporate profitability, it is positive for the economy as a whole because of contained inflation.

77% of Hungarians believe that there is a real chance that US President-elect Donald Trump will end the armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine in 2025, Századvég's December survey found. The poll explored public attitudes towards recent developments in the war and the possibilities for peace-building.

Macro Monitor – October 2024

According to the November 2024 survey of Századvég Konjunktúrakutató, household economic sentiment strengthened by 2.1 index points, and business economic expectations improved by 0.5 index points from the previous month. Thus, the household index, measured on a scale of -100 to +100, strengthened to -16.5, while the business index to -14.9. In the November survey, the most positive change in household sentiment was towards the future path of inflation. And among businesses, the perception of Hungary’s future competitiveness has improved the most.

The governing parties continue to have the highest social support, according to the November party preference survey by Századvég.

Corporate sustainability and ESG considerations are now not just a “fad”, but a very concrete expectation. Moreover, this affects a wide range of Hungarian businesses through two vital channels: the customers and the financing banks.

Macro Monitor – September 2024

As the upcoming U.S. presidential election draws near, examining how Hungarian society perceives relations and cooperation opportunities with the United States becomes particularly relevant. A comprehensive public opinion survey by Századvég provides unique insights into this issue. The survey results highlight that while Hungarians generally support closer cooperation, they view U.S. cultural influence and international engagement critically. The research also explores how Hungarian public opinion perceives the potential impact of the November 5th U.S. presidential election on bilateral relations.

Századvég’s latest party preference survey shows that Fidesz-KDNP continues to lead the rankings of parties.