Economy on the Upswing

After a phase of below-average economic growth, which lasted well into the second quarter, the cyclical upswing in Austria is gaining momentum. Payments received for exports of goods rose sharply in June 1999; employment also grew noticeably, and surveys conducted among Austrian enterprises signal the onset of an economic recovery. The slow-down of economic growth triggered by last year's financial crises has been overcome and economic developments have stabilised also at the European level. Domestic demand is picking up under the favourable impact of the monetary environment and export-oriented businesses again look to the future with greater optimism.