Business Cycle Sentiment Subdued at Start of the Year

The results of the WIFO-Konjunkturtest (business cycle survey) in January continue to show a sceptical economic picture. Economic assessments remained particularly pessimistic in manufacturing. Capacity utilisation rose slightly but remained below average in construction and manufacturing. In the total economy "insufficient demand" remained the most frequently cited obstacle to business activity, followed by "shortage of labour force". Sales price expectations rose again slightly and remained above average in services and retail.