Economic Assessments Remain Skeptical

The results of the WIFO-Konjunkturtest (business cycle survey) show a slight deterioration in business assessments of the economy in April. At –7.1 points (seasonally adjusted), the WIFO Business Climate Index was 0.4 points lower than in March. The economic picture is dominated by the continuing weakness of the industrial economy despite improvements. In April, however, sentiment in the retail and service sectors deteriorated again slightly. The overall economic situation assessments and economic expectations remain below average.