In October 2017, the total consumer confidence indicator decreases by 0.7 percentage points compared to July which is due to the reduced confidence among both urban and rural inhabitants.
In the third quarter of 2017, the municipal authorities issued building permits for construction of 1 526 residential buildings with 7 135 dwellings, of 28 administrative buildings/offices and 1 221 other buildings. The construction of 982 residential buildings with 3 409 dwellings, of 27 administrative buildings/offices and 692 other buildings was started.
In 2016, the total amount of expenditure on research and development activity (R&D) was 734.0 million BGN which was 13.7% less than the previous year.
In August 2017 compared to July 2017 an increase is reported for the production of solid fuels - by 4.4%, unleaded motor gasoline - by 1.3%, transport diesel - by 2.2% and electricity - by 1.9%. There is no change in the production of liquefied petroleum gases and natural gas.
In August 2017 compared to July 2017 an increase is reported for the deliveries of solid fuels - by 3.3%, liquefied petroleum gases - by 15.9%, unleaded motor gasoline - by 37.8%, transport diesel - by 24.1% and electricity - by 0.7%. At the same time a decrease is reported for the deliveries of natural gas - by 5.6%.
Total Producer Price Index in September 2017 increased by 0.5% compared to the previous month; compared to the same month of 2016 the prices rose by 5.7%. Producer Price Index on Domestic Market in September 2017 increased by 0.3% compared to the previous month; compared to the same month of 2016 the domestic prices grew by 6.0%.
In October 2017, the business conjuncture in the country is assessed as unfavourable. The total business climate indicator decreases by 1.8 percentage points compared to its September level as a result of the reduced managers’ expectations in all observed sectors - industry, construction, retail trade and services.
In September 2017, the number of the trips of Bulgarian residents abroad was 570.8 thousand or by 11.9% above the registered in September 2016. The trips with other purposes (as a guest, education and visit the cultural and sport events) in September 2017 composed the greatest share of the total number of trips of Bulgarian residents abroad - 45.2%, followed by the trips with holiday and recreation purpose - 34.2%, and with professional purpose - 20.6%.
In September 2017, the number of arrivals of visitors from abroad to Bulgaria was 1 270.6 thousand or by 6.6% more in comparison with September 2016. In September 2017, the predominant share of the visits with holiday and recreation purpose was 46.0%, followed by trips with other purposes (including as guest and passing transit) - 38.3%, and with professional purpose - 15.7%.
In 2016, the government deficit and debt of the EU-28 decreased in relative terms compared with 2015. In the EU-28 the government deficit to GDP ratio fell from 2.4% in 2015 to 1.7% in 2016. In the EU-28 the government debt to GDP ratio declined from 84.5% at the end of 2015 to 83.2% at the end of 2016.
According to the final data of the National Statistical Institute the General Government Institutional Sector reported in 2016 a deficit of 36 million BGN or 0.04% of GDP.
The Government Debt of Bulgaria for 2016 is 27 322 million BGN or 29.03% of GDP.
The consumer price index in September 2017 compared to August 2017 was 100.2%, i.e. the monthly inflation was 0.2%.