Third waves subside, outlook brightens

Third virus waves held back recoveries in most countries in Q1, but the good news is that they appear to have peaked as new daily COVID-19 cases have fallen since mid-March. Russia has so far avoided a third wave and easing pressures on health systems prompted some governments in Central and Eastern Europe to start easing restrictions over the past month. Turkey is an exception where containment measures have been tightened. Recoveries will struggle to make much headway in Q2, but vaccination rollouts have gained pace this month. The re-opening of Israel’s economy has driven a rebound in activity and Hungary appears next in line to re-open its economy. In the rest of the region, we think the most harmful restrictions will be lifted in the next few months, paving the way for a sustained recovery in activity from Q3.