In the OECD countries, the recovery from the slump of 2001 was slow and painful. According to preliminary figures, these countries managed a growth in GDP of 1.3 percent in 2002, compared to 0.8 percent in 2001. In view of the geopolitical vagaries of the second half of 2002, demand for...

For several months, business surveys have indicated a gradual but steady improvement of firms' expectations. Opinions on the current economic situation are also somewhat more upbeat in manufacturing and substantially more so in the construction industry. A turnaround on the labour market,...

For the third year in a row, the Austrian economy will grow by only around 1 percent in 2003. Adding to the persistent weakness of domestic demand are the economic repercussions of geopolitical instability. For 2004, uncertainties are particularly large, with growth projected to stay below the...