Results of the Spring 1991 Investment Survey: Demand for Capital Goods Keeping up Momentum

Despite a slowdown overall investment expenditure in 1991 will again rise faster than GDP, by 4¾ percent in volume. Demand for machinery and equipment in manufacturing industry reached a peak in 1990, expanding by 19 percent. In the current year, firms envisage a further increase by a price-adjusted 7 percent according to the latest WIFO survey. A rising share of capital outlays is accounted for by direct investment abroad. The construction sector intends to step up investment by 5 percent, a markedly slower rate than in 1990 (+15 percent). Conversely, electricity companies and public transportation and utilities plan for a strong rebound of capital spending, more than offsetting the cuts effectuated in 1990.