Economic forecast.

The article presents the economic forecast of Belgium for 2007 to 2008. Business analysts expect a moderate loosening in economic growth from 3.9% in 2006 to 3.1% in 2007. Private consumption is believed to increase by 2.3% in 2006 due to a slackening in the rate of household savings secondary to rising employment and consumer confidence. The authors regard the European Union harmonized rate of inflation to remain at 1.9% towards the end of 2006 and will average at 1.8% in 2007 and 2008.