CareEdge Global and RSEB Launch Bhutan Barometer to Track Bhutan’s Economy and Capital Markets

Quarterly publication offers insights into economic trends, capital market developments and key macroeconomic indicators in Bhutan

CareEdge Global and the Royal Securities Exchange of Bhutan (RSEB) have introduced the first edition of the Bhutan Barometer, a quarterly report designed to provide regular insights into Bhutan’s economic performance and capital market developments.

The publication has been launched under the partnership formalized through a memorandum of understanding signed in July 2025, with CareEdge Global serving as RSEB’s knowledge partner.

Commenting on the launch, Promod Chhetri, Interim CEO, RSEB, said:

“The Bhutan Barometer is an important step towards making timely and credible capital market information more accessible to stakeholders. By providing a consistent view of market developments and placing them within the broader economic context, we hope the publication will support greater transparency, informed participation and the continued deepening of Bhutan’s capital market.”

Revati Kasture, CEO, CareEdge Global, said:

“The Bhutan Barometer reflects our commitment to combining global analytical expertise with local market intelligence. Through our partnership with the RSEB, we aim to provide investors, policymakers, and other stakeholders with actionable insights that support informed decision-making and contribute to the continued development of Bhutan’s capital markets.”

Key Highlights of the Inaugural Bhutan Barometer

Global growth is projected to moderate to 3.0%, while inflation is expected to rise to 4.7% in 2026, amid the ongoing West Asia conflict.
Emerging and developing Asia is expected to perform better in terms of economic growth, although inflationary pressures continue as higher oil prices and stronger energy cost pass-through affect energy-importing economies.
Bhutan’s economy remains on a strong growth trajectory, with real GDP growth averaging 8.1% in 2025 and projected at 7.5% in 2026, supported by hydropower, construction and infrastructure investment.
Bhutan’s external position has improved, although structural vulnerabilities remain. The current account deficit narrowed to 15.6% of GDP in Q4 2025, compared with 21.5% in Q4 2024, while foreign exchange reserves increased to USD 1.2 billion by May 2026, supported by stronger remittances and services exports.
The country continues to experience inflationary pressures, with headline inflation increasing to 6.7% in April 2026 from 6.1% in March, driven by higher domestic fuel prices. Non-food inflation also rose to 7.3%.
Bhutan’s policy rate remained unchanged at 5.72% as of June 2026, while the Indian Rupee (INR) peg continues to expose the economy to imported inflation.

The Bhutan Barometer is intended to provide investors, policymakers and other market participants with periodic analysis of Bhutan’s economic and capital market developments.