Business cycles and economic growth
The focus is on ongoing business cycle monitoring and the development of quarterly business forecasts for the Austrian and
global economy. The forecasts are based on WIFO's flash estimates and regular estimates of quarterly national accounts. The
Group contributes, in collaboration with Deutsches Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung (DIW), to the joint business cycle forecast
for Germany ("Gemeinschaftsdiagnose"). The Group uses econometric models to develop projections over medium-term and long-term
horizons. These models are also used to obtain quantitative estimates for various economic policy measures. Empirical research
on financial markets, inflation and the monetary policy in the euro area explores the interaction between financial and real
economy.
Public sector
The Group analyses Austrian and European fiscal policy. It scrutinises government revenues, spending, and the interaction
between budgets at the various government levels, fiscal federalism and efficiency of public administration. Macroeconomic
forecasts contribute to official public sector budget forecasts and vice versa. Evaluations of public expenditures and revenues
as well as governmental regulations contribute to our understanding of the implications of fiscal policy for economic growth
in the long run.
The Research Group's projects and publications
Current projects
WIFO publications
Staff members
