Economic Growth Stable. Business Cycle Report of June 2006

In the first quarter of 2006, the Austrian economy grew by 0.6 percent in volume from the previous period. While private household demand began to stabilise, exports and industrial activity gathered considerable momentum. Manufacturers' assessment of order books climbed to a record high in May, according to evidence from the WIFO business survey for that month. Sales increases in wholesaling and the expansion of manufacturing output point to an upturn in investment. Employment and vacancies also posted gains, thanks to the economy's good performance.