Economic Sentiment Improves Noticeably. Results of the WIFO-Konjunkturtest (Business Cycle Survey) of April 2021

The mood among Austrian companies improved in April. At 11.7 points (seasonally adjusted), the WIFO Business Climate Index was in positive territory for the first time since March 2020 and improved significantly compared to the previous month (+15.3 points). Assessments of the current business situation were noticeably more positive. Only in the sectors severely affected by the restrictions the economic assessments remained sceptical. Companies' economic expectations also became much more confident. However, the companies also report material bottlenecks as the most important obstacle to production.