Uncertainty Weighing on Business Activity. Economic Outlook for 2015 and 2016

After the slow pace recorded in 2014, growth of the Austrian economy is likely to remain modest also in early 2015. Leading indicators to date give no substantial hint for a revival of business activity. Hence, the conditions for a cyclical recovery during the first half of the year are hardly in place. More favourable developments may set in only in 2016. Apart from a rebound in global demand and output, the weak euro exchange rate and low commodity prices should give positive incentives to the domestic economy. GDP growth is expected to gradually pick up from 0.3 percent in 2014 to 0.5 percent in 2015 and 1.3 percent in 2016.