Economic Momentum Was Slightly Positive in the Fourth Quarter of 2025

According to initial calculations, real GDP in the fourth quarter of 2025 was slightly higher, compared to the previous quarter (+0.2 percent; key figure according to Eurostat specifications). This continued the moderate recovery following the positive development in the third quarter (+0.4 percent). Year-on-year, economic output was 0.7 percent higher than in the fourth quarter of 2024. For 2025 overall, this results in growth of +0.6 percent based on seasonally and calendar-adjusted figures.

In industry (NACE 2008, sections B to E), where the economic situation began to improve at the start of 2025, value added exceeded the previous year's level for the second time (+1.9 percent; third quarter +0.7 percent). Compared with the previous quarter, however, this represents a slight decline (–0.3 percent compared with the previous quarter; third quarter +0.4 percent). The construction industry continued its negative trend, with value added falling again (–0.8 percent compared with the previous quarter).

In contrast, the services sector presented a more positive picture. In trade, transportation, accommodation and food service activities, value added rose by 0.5 percent compared to the previous quarter. Other business activities (NACE 2008, sections M and N) also performed well (+0.6 percent), while value added in the areas of information and communication, financial and insurance activities, real estate activities (NACE 2008 sections J to L) almost stagnated (+0.1 percent).

On the demand side, private household consumption expenditure supported GDP, expanding by 0.4 percent compared with the previous quarter. Investment demand, on the other hand, declined (–0.7 percent).

In foreign trade, exports rose by 0.6 percent and imports by 0.2 percent compared with the previous quarter, meaning that net exports made a positive contribution to GDP growth.

Important information

The WIFO Flash Estimate is an initial estimate for the previous quarter. It is based on Statistics Austria's quarterly accounts and covers GDP and its main components. These are calculated in the form of seasonally and calendar-adjusted rates of change compared with the previous quarter (key figure according to Eurostat specifications). The adjusted values for the previous quarters are not revised in this calculation, but continue to correspond to those of the latest publication by Statistics Austria. On 5 March 2026, Statistics Austria will publish the quarterly data for GDP and main aggregates for the fourth quarter of 2025 based on more recent data.