WIFO-Konjunkturtest

The WIFO-Konjunkturtest (business cycle survey) is a monthly survey of Austrian companies on their economic situation and its development in the coming months. The results of the WIFO-Konjunkturtest help to reliably assess the economic development in Austria at an early stage. The WIFO-Konjunkturtest has been conducted since 1954 and has been part of the "Joint Harmonised EU Programme of Business and Consumer Surveys" since 1996.
 

Publications schedule

29.04.2024, 2 p.m.
30.05.2024, 2 p.m.
27.06.2024, 2 p.m.

The WIFO-Konjunkturampel (Economic Traffic Light) Turns "Yellow" in March

The results of the WIFO Business Survey in March show an improvement in companies' economic assessments, although the majority of them remain pessimistic. At –7.1 points (seasonally adjusted), the WIFO economic climate index was 2.6 points above the previous month's value (–9.7 points). The overall economic situation assessments stagnated (–0.2 points) and remained below the zero line at –6.9 points. Economic expectations improved (+5.4 points), but remained in negative territory at –7.5 points. The sceptical economic picture continues to be determined by the weak industrial economy. The WIFO economic traffic light shows "yellow",
signaling a cautious improvement in companies' economic assessments.
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Publication – 27.03.2024
Werner Hölzl, Jürgen Bierbaumer, Michael Klien, Agnes Kügler

Economic Expectations Point to Stabilisation. Results of the WIFO-Konjunkturtest (Business Cycle Survey) of March 2024

WIFO Business Cycle Survey
Details

Economic Sentiment Picks Up in the EU and the Euro Area, Employment Expectations Broadly Stable

In March 2024, the Economic Sentiment Indicator (ESI) picked up in both the EU (+0.7 points to 96.2 points) and the euro area (+0.8 points to 96.3 points). The Employment Expectations Indicator (EEI) remained virtually stable for the second consecutive month in both areas (+0.1 point, to 102.3 points in the EU, and 102.6 points in the euro area). Contrary to the ESI, the EEI scored above its long-term average.

European Commission – BCS press releases
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Results of the WIFO-Konjunkturtest (Business Cycle Survey) of March 2024

Economic Expectations Point to Stabilization

The results of the WIFO-Konjunkturtest (business cycle survey) in March show a slight improvement in the generally sceptical assessment of the economy. At –7.1 points (seasonally adjusted), the WIFO economic climate index was 2.6 points above the previous month's value (–9.7 points) but remained in negative territory. The increase is primarily due to improved economic expectations, while situation assessments remained stable compared to the previous month. The sceptical economic picture continues to be determined by the very weak economic situation in manufacturing and construction, while the mood among service providers has improved.


Further information can be found here.

The long index series of the WIFO-Konjunkturtest (business cycle survey) can be found here.
 

Credit Conditions of Austrian Companies

The credit questions of the WIFO-Konjunkturtest (business cycle survey) allow us to present the assessments and experiences of companies with regard to bank lending. The credit questions are asked quarterly in February, May, August and November.

Further information can be found here.

Links

WIFO Economic Data Service (PDF, XLSX)
ifo Business Climate Index
EU Business and Consumer Surveys
Europe-wide Business Cycle Indicators of the European Commission


The WIFO-Konjunkturtest and the WIFO-Investitiosbefragung are part of the "Joint Harmonised EU Programme of Business und Consumer Surveys".