Economy with Uneven Momentum at the End of the Year

The results of the WIFO-Konjunkturtest (Business Cycle Survey) of December show a further stabilisation of the still sceptical economic assessment of Austrian companies. At –5.8 points (seasonally adjusted), the WIFO economic climate index was 1.2 points above the value of the previous month (–7.0 points), but remained in the pessimistic range. The assessment of the current situation improved slightly compared to the previous month. Economic expectations deteriorated again slightly and continue to signal a sceptical economic outlook. The sceptical economic picture continues to be dominated by the very weak industrial and construction sectors, while the mood among service providers is starting to brighten up.