Signs of Economic Rebound are Increasing

After the Austrian economy still contracted also in the second quarter of 2009 (at a seasonally and working day adjusted rate of –0.5 percent quarter-on-quarter and of –4.6 percent year-on-year), the recession in the manufacturing sector continues to weaken in the third quarter. Evidence from the latest WIFO business cycle survey suggests that the downturn has already bottomed out. Signs of an economic rebound are increasing also among Austria's main trading partners. The inventory cycle, along with fiscal policy measures, is stabilising global industrial activity. Labour market conditions continue to deteriorate, with notably the industrial and construction sectors experiencing yet another rise in unemployment.