Austria’s recession had limited effects on unemployment. Investment declined sharply but consumption helped cushion the recession, supported by tax cuts and various labor market measures together with large increases in real wages. Austria’s fiscal position has weakened significantly in...

This 2002 Article IV Consultation highlights that after decelerating sharply in 2001, economic growth in Austria is projected to strengthen gradually during 2002, parallel to the expected improvement in the global economic climate. Real GDP growth is projected to average 1 percent in 2002,...

Austria’s 2004 Article IV Consultation reports that the economy has continued to perform relatively well, unemployment is among the lowest in the European Union, and competitiveness remains strong. Also, a gradual recovery is under way and short-term economic prospects are positive, although...

This 2005 Article IV Consultation highlights that economic activity in Austria gathered speed in 2004, supported mostly by strong export performance. Growth of real GDP rose to 2.2 percent in 2004. Consumption growth was modest, in view of small gains in employment and nominal wage growth barely...

Increasing integration to the East has benefited the Austrian economy, but also created vulnerabilities that came to a head with the global financial crisis. The crisis has highlighted old challenges and created new ones that need to be addressed. The banking sector’s return to more normal...

A mix of solid economic policies, wage moderation, and an early orientation toward Eastern Europe explain Austria’s strong economic performance. The economy has grown strong in 2007 and through the first quarter of 2008. Employment growth remains strong, but the trend of a declining...

This 2007 Article IV Consultation highlights that the favorable economic outcome for Austria is owed to a combination of stability-oriented macropolicies, a range of structural reforms, strong international competitiveness resulting from a social partnership that facilitates wage moderation, and...