Downturn Continues

The results of the WIFO-Konjunkturtest (business cycle survey) of October show a quarter-on-quarter weakening of economic assessments and a further deterioration of economic expectations for all sectors. Capacity utilisation also declined in all sectors, but still remained at average levels. As in previous quarters, the "shortage of labour force" was the most important constraint on business activity in the Austrian economy, although the "insufficient demand" is gaining in importance. Business uncertainty has risen for the last months. Sales price expectations has also remained above average.