High Euro Exchange Rate Weighing on Cyclical Recovery. Economic Outlook for 2005 and 2006

The cyclical recovery is projected to continue, although being held back by the high euro exchange rate. The Austrian economy is set to grow by 2¼ percent in 2005, somewhat less than expected so far. Global risks deriving from high macro-economic imbalances have increased in recent months. The tax reform will contribute towards GDP growth in Austria exceeding the euro area average.