Hungary’s Inflation Undershoot Reopens the Easing Cycle

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In this ING analysis, Peter Virovacz and Zoltán Homolya assess how sharply lower January inflation has shifted Hungary’s monetary outlook 

  • Headline CPI fell to 2.1% YoY, with core at 2.7%, both below the central bank’s 3% target for the first time since 2019, supported by subdued services inflation and lower energy and fuel prices.

  • Monthly repricing was unusually modest, while extended price shields and a strong forint delay any near-term reacceleration.

  • ING now sees 25bp rate cuts in both February and March, barring a sustained forint shock.

Is this the start of a durable disinflation cycle—or a temporary policy window? The full note examines the risks.

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