Unemployment to Decline as Economic Activity Picks up. Economic Outlook for 1999 and 2000

The present business cycle picture is closely in line with the last WIFO short-term projections. Industrial output has been recovering from its trough early this year. The forecast for overall GDP growth remains unchanged. Developments on the labour market have been better than expected. For the first time in five years, unemployment will recede markedly in 1999, due in particular to strong domestic demand, but also to a reinforcement of employment policy measures.