The growth forecast for the third quarter of 2015 has not changed since last month and remains at 2.6%. The first forecast for the fourth quarter growth of 2015 has been targeted at 3.8%.

Investments in real estate compensates for risk premiums (compared to money deposits) and more than covers its costs (Mortgage interest rate). Average rental price for residential property continues to fall and reaches its historical minimum since March 2013.

In October, rental prices for residential properties in Tbilisi declined significantly in annual terms (-7.1%). Buyers tended to purchase cheaper, lower quality units in October relative to the previous month. Lower lending and deposit interest rates made real estate investments more attractive, driving rental prices for residential property downward.

Georgia is among a few countries in the world that do not have a deposit insurance system in place. Does the country need to have such a system? Or is deposit insurance likely to do more harm than good? The answer is not as clear-cut as it may seem.