Slovakia's €40 billion sits idle as investors pour into real‑estate funds

A recent analysis shows Slovak households are investing in real‑estate mutual funds at a rate three times higher than the rest of the EU. Real‑estate funds now represent almost 19 % of the assets in Slovak collective investment schemes, compared with just 5.6 % across the euro area. Despite this appetite, about 60 % of Slovaks have no investments at all, leaving roughly €39.7 billion on ordinary bank accounts with little or no interest. With annual inflation at 3.5 %, those idle funds are losing purchasing power. Experts describe the trend as a search for tangible, stable assets, while also noting a gradual shift towards diversified portfolios that include equities.