The Analysis of Main Macroeconomic Indicators – A Comparative Study of Serbia and the Selected See Countries

Abstract

Abstract: The analysis of the main macroeconomic indicators is important to show the overall state of the economy, predict its stability and enable investors, above all, to respond in a timely manner to sudden or unpredictable events. Accordingly, it can be said that the main macroeconomic indicators describe the state and efficiency of each national economy. The main objective of the paper is to present the current economic situation in the observed countries by looking at macroeconomic indicators: real GDP, unemployment rate, consumer and producer price, gross foreign direct investment, and total government debt. The subject of the paper is focused on comparative analysis of major macroeconomic indicators in the selected SEE countries (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia and Slovenia). In order to get a clear picture of the current state of each of these economies, the secondary data for 2018 and the first two quarters of 2019 will be used in the analysis, all with the task of presenting any problems that may exist and their possible solutions. Comparing Serbia’s position vis-à-vis other SEE countries, it can be concluded that it has transformed into a growing economy with low inflation, fiscal surpluses, declining public debt, lowering external imbalance, and a recovery in the labour market. It is expected that the growth trend will continue in the coming period, which will result in even better economic development and increased openness to new investments.