Second Half of 2014 Marked by Stagnation of Austrian Economy

Global economic developments have been uneven, but activity has recently been robust notably in large economies such as the USA and the UK. In the euro area, by contrast, momentum has been muted. The Austrian economy stagnated in the second half of 2014. Given the somewhat more positive economic situation in the spring as well as a growth overhang from 2013, total GDP growth in 2014 was 0.3 percent. Leading indicators continue to paint a bleak picture. Against this background, the first quarter of 2015 is also expected to be marked by lacklustre economic activity, despite the currently favourable development of crude oil prices and the weaker euro.