Austrian Economic News and Analysis
Read the latest headlines about Austria's economy, including news on inflation, growth domestic product (GDP), nation's debt and labor market
Federation of Trade Unions Calls for "Tax Justice"
A new debate is sparking off in Austria, and possibly also a tax reform. The Gewerkschaftsbund (ÖGB, Federation of Trade Unions) wants workers to be tax-unburdened.
January 18, 2011
Austrian Construction Costs up by 3.2% in 2010
Construction cost index 2010: increase of all three construction branches in annual comparison.
January 18, 2011
Recovery slows down in Austria
The Bank Austria Business Indicator sees the recovery slowing down. The manufacturing industry shows itself optimistic, consumers a little more subdued.
January 15, 2011
Poland is a Big Opportunity for Austria's Export Economy
The Austrian Economic Chamber sees tremendous opportunities for the local export industry. The construction industry could particularly benefit from the boom in Poland.
January 15, 2011
AMS Expects Marked Relaxation of the Labor Market by 2013
The Arbeitsmarktservice (AMS, Labor Market Service) foresees a significant increase in labor supply on the Austrian labor market. Unemployment will stagnate.
January 15, 2011
Only Slight Increase in Austrian Minimum Wages
Index of Agreed Minimum Wages 2010: low increase due to economic crisis.
January 15, 2011
Inflation Increased up to 2.2% in Austria
The Consumer Price Inflation (HICP) increased up to 2.2 % in December 2010. This was mainly due to energy prices.
January 15, 2011
Investment Inhibition in Austrian Companies
The investment situation of Austrian companies is analyzed in the liquidity situation report by PwC. There are still frictions present on the capital market.
January 14, 2011
Increase of Payment Difficulties for Austria’s Private Households
Estimated 270,000 Austrian households are currently facing financial difficulties and are not able to serve credit sufficiently.
January 14, 2011
Austria's Competitiveness Increases Slightly
Austria rose one place, to the 21st, in the ranking of the most liberal economies.
January 14, 2011
Austria's Trade Deficit with China Shrinks
Thanks to the rising export figures, the trade deficit in the traditionally negative balance with China is declining.
January 13, 2011
Slow upward trend in Austria's trade and handicrafts
For 2010, KMU-Forschung Austria expects slight sales increases. Support for research projects will be supported in future.
January 13, 2011
Harsh Criticism of Government by Junge Industrie
Junge Industrie (Young Industry) an interface organization of the Industriellenvereinigung (Industrialists’ Federation) criticizes particularly the pension policy.
January 13, 2011
WKÖ endorses policy of the European Commission
The Austrian Economic Chamber welcomes the focus of the EU Commission on structural reforms, consolidation of public finances and competitiveness.
January 13, 2011
Austrian Regional GDP Growth: Upper Austria Quotes Statistics
Gross regional product 2008: Upper and Lower Austria reached a nominal growth rate clearly above the national average
January 13, 2011
CEE Economic Growth Forecast: 3.8% in 2011
According to UniCredit, especially Turkey, Poland, Czech Republic and Estonia will bounce back impressively due to stronger industry and domestic demand.
January 13, 2011
Growth in Austria's Foreign Trade and Direct Investment
Austria's goods, services and capital transactions abroad grow strongly, a sign of solid recovery.
January 13, 2011
CEE: Raiffeisen Remains Optimistic
The analysts of the Austrian Raiffeisen International Bank give Austria and the CEE good growth prospects. However, there still remain known risks.
January 12, 2011
Rapid Increase in Exports to Emerging Markets
The Austrian export economy can benefit massively from the solid demand from Asian and South American emerging markets.
January 12, 2011
Insolvencies decline in Austria
Corporate insolvency proceedings fall by 5.9%, affecting more than 85,000 creditors. Creditreform considers there is still potential for lower figures.
January 11, 2011
Recovery in Austria´s Labor Market Continues
The domestic labor market´s data for 2010 were better than expected. The number of job-seekers declined by 3.7%
January 8, 2011
Austrian SME as a Source of Innovation
Austria's small and medium enterprises are, according to the Small and Medium-Sized Business report, the main driver for innovations.
January 7, 2011
Strong Increase in Austrian Foreign Trade Figures
January to October 2010: imports and exports increased by more than 15%
January 6, 2011
WIFO and IHS Foresee Economic Weakness
The two major Austrian Economic Research Institutes, WIFO and IHS, expect an economic slowdown in 2011.
January 5, 2011
Commodity and Food Prices Rising
Austrian Wholesale price index in December 2010: +9.1% against December 2009; annual average 2010: +5.0% against 2009.
January 5, 2011
Downward Trend of Austrian Unemployment
Unemployment trend: Flash estimates for the fourth quarter of 2010 show an unemployment rate of 4.1%.
January 5, 2011
Demographic Development: a Future Challenge for Austria
The expected demographic development will increase expenditure in geriatric care in Austria.
January 5, 2011
Black Economy is still Difficult to Control in Austria
About 14% of the economic product evades the Treasury in the Austrian economy, but experts say the trend is declining again.
January 5, 2011
R&D: High Activities of Austrian Firms with Foreign Co-Investors
The OECD publishes its Science, Technology and Industry Outlook 2010 for Austria. 23% of R&D expenses are funded from abroad.
January 4, 2011
Social Justice shows High Levels in Austria
The Bertelsmann Foundation released a study on social justice issues in OECD countries. Austria is located among the top third.
January 4, 2011
Leitl Urges Implementation of Reform Plans
The President of the Austrian Economic Chamber shows himself pleased by the economic data 2010 and urges the continuation of educational and administrative reforms.
January 3, 2011
Experts: No Failures in the Austrian Labor Market
The last hurdles for the new EU-members to enter the Austrian labor market will fall in May 2011. However, even the unions has no concerns.
January 3, 2011
Austrian Industry Remains on Growth Course
Bank Austria Purchasing Managers’ Index down slightly in November, but strong growth persists. Order intake increased as well as employment.
January 1, 2011
Massive Rise of Debt in the Public Sector
Austria's debt is rising dramatically. Not only the state budget, but also the provinces and municipalities are the major contributors to this situation.
December 31, 2010
Changes in Living Standard of Austrians
A WIFO study compares the required average working time of industrial workers to the purchase of goods and services over the passage of time.
December 31, 2010
Sales Drops in Austrian Construction Industry
The construction output value in building construction and engineering decreased by 3.5% from January to September 2010. The order situation is also deteriorating.
December 31, 2010
Austria's Material Goods Production Increases Massively
The production trend in the manufacturing and construction industry shows a positive effect in September 2010. Sales increased by 10.3%.
December 31, 2010
Nowotny Calls for Consistent Budget Consolidation
The Governor of the OeNB draws balance at the end of the year and gives his outlook on the challenges for 2011
December 30, 2010
Austria's Labor Market Opens
As of May 1, 2011 the German and Austrian labor markets open for the new EU citizens. Romania and Bulgaria will follow suit in 2013.
December 30, 2010
Billion Worth Qatar Holding Explores Investment Opportunities
The Austrian economy expects closer relations and potential export opportunities as the result of the state visit of the Emir of Qatar.
December 30, 2010
WIFO Director: "Crisis was not Taken Advantage of to Introduce Reforms"
In an interview with the newspaper "Kurier", the head of the WIFO criticizes the lack of commitment to reforms. His perspectives for Austria are nevertheless optimistic.
December 30, 2010
WIFO: Lack of Competition in Austria
According to WIFO, lack of competition is causing a growth bottleneck in Austria and requires legal action by the government and the EU.
December 29, 2010
Leitl Demands Reforms
The President of the Austrian Economic Chamber calls for more Government work in administration, health and education.
December 29, 2010
Good Prospects for Austrian Exports
The outlook for 2010 is favorable after the sharp decline of Austrian goods exports in the crisis year 2009 (-20.2%), .
December 29, 2010
Chamber of Labor Calls for a More Equitable Distribution
Corporate profits on one hand and reduced working hours, dismissals and wage cuts on the other, are not compatible for the Chamber of Labor.
December 28, 2010
Raiffeisen Foresees a Weak Decade for Europe
RLB Niederösterreich-Wien expects hardly any economic growth, particularly in the euro countries. Austria is however relatively well positioned.
December 28, 2010
Further Rise in Energy Prices for Households
Austrian energy prices in November 2010 were higher by 5.8% compared to the previous year. Only gas became cheaper.
December 27, 2010
Generali Money Study: What Austrians Will Spend their Money on in 2011
More money will be spent on vacations, housing and sports. Propensity to consume is higher in men.
December 27, 2010
CO2 Emissions in 2009 Decreased by 4.75m Tons
Energy-related CO2 emissions decreased in 2009 in Austria by 4.75m tons or 7.4% to 59m tons, according to WIFO estimates
December 27, 2010
Analysts Predict Good Year for ATX
According to analysts, the Vienna Stock Exchange will experience a favourable performance in 2011. However, 2011 won´t surpass 2010.
December 27, 2010
