Planned Manufacturing Investment will Remain Steady at a High Level in 2005. Results of the WIFO Spring 2005 Investment Survey

According to the results of the spring 2005 investment survey, investment in manufacturing as expressed in current prices increased by 8.2 percent in 2004. For 2005, investment is expected to stay at the same level as in 2004. A growth of investment for 2004 was reported by all industries except motor vehicles. For 2005, investments are mostly limited to intermediates, investment goods, and consumer nondurable goods. The construction industry plans a slight increase in investment expenditure. Electricity, gas and water utilities have announced plans to substantially boost their investment spending in 2005.