Growing Amount of Evidence Points to Slowing Economic Activity in Austria

The weaker global environment is dampening economic activity in Austria; export dynamics lost vigour in the fourth quarter of 2015. By contrast, firms' willingness to invest remained robust. Expenditure for refugees' basic care was reflected in an increase in consumer spending. WIFO's Business Cycle Survey shows a worsening of companies' assessments. Hence GDP growth is likely to remain subdued also in the coming months.