Economic Expectations Improve, Situation Assessments Remain Subdued

The results of the WIFO-Konjunkturtest (business cycle survey) show a continuation of the overall economic stabilisation of business assessments in July. The WIFO Business Climate Index stood at –2.4 points (seasonally adjusted), 1.5 points above the June figure. Sentiment improved slightly in all sectors, particularly regarding the outlook for the coming months. Weak investment activity is weighing on sentiment in the capital goods sectors. The improvement in expectations in industry also signals that global uncertainties resulting from the USA's tariff policy have already diminished.