Economic Outlook for 2006 and 2007: Cyclical Upturn Gaining Full Momentum – Solid Growth Also in 2007

As from the second semester 2005, favourable business conditions worldwide have set in motion a cyclical upswing in Austria, which has been gaining strength in the current year. Demand incentives have been transmitted from exports to domestic investment, thereby fostering the sustainability of the upturn. Slackening external demand, partly related to one-off factors in Germany, will slow the overall pace of growth in 2007, although internal demand will benefit from a revival of private consumption.