Cautious Improvement in Situation Assessments at the Beginning of the Year

Results of the WIFO-Konjunkturtest (Business Cycle Survey) of January 2025

The results of the WIFO-Konjunkturtest (business cycle survey) show a cautious improvement in business assessments of the economy in January, although they remain at a low level. At –5.2 points (seasonally adjusted), the WIFO Business Climate Index in January was 0.8 points above the previous month's value (–6.0 points). This economic picture continues to be determined by the weak industrial economy, although economic sentiment in the construction industry also deteriorated at the start of the year. Overall economic situation assessments improved but remained below average. Overall economic expectations did not change compared to the previous month and remained mostly sceptical.