About Business Indicator
The UniCredit Bank Austria Business Indicator seeks to assess the economic climate in Austria based on a range of sentiment and leading indicators. The goal is to provide a meaningful measure of the current economic situation and immediate future developments well in advance – approximately one quarter before the release of official GDP figures.
Austria´s economy holds its ground despite ongoing pressures
“The UniCredit Bank Austria Business Indicator continued its upward trend in September, improving to minus 0.5 points. This marks its highest level since the start of the US attack on Iran and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz,” explains UniCredit Bank Austria’s Chief Economist Stefan Bruckbauer, adding: “Economic sentiment in Austria is proving remarkably resilient despite the ongoing pressures. Across all sectors of the economy, sentiment at the start of autumn is more favourable than it was immediately after the geopolitical tensions in the Middle East began.”
- The UniCredit Bank Austria Business Indicator rose to minus 0.5 points in September, reaching its highest level since the start of the Iran war
- Sentiment in the services sector was more optimistic and export prospects brightened, whilst consumers in particular remained cautious
- Following the dip in the second quarter, the moderate recovery is being driven primarily by the manufacturing sector
- Economic momentum is expected to accelerate slightly in 2027, lifting growth to 1.2 per cent from 0.8 per cent in 2026
- The recovery will not reach the labour market until 2027: the unemployment rate is expected to fall to 7.4 per cent from 7.6 per cent in 2026
- Annual average inflation is still expected to stand at 3.2 per cent in 2026. High energy prices and lingering knock-on effects are likely to limit the decline in 2027 to just 2.8 per cent
- Persistent pressure from energy prices suggests the ECB will raise interest rates by at least a further 25 basis points in December
UniCredit Bank Austria Business Indicator (PDF)
UniCredit Bank Austria Business Indicator – Computation method (PDF)
as of October, 2026
These publications do not constitute investment advice, investment recommendations, marketing communications, or financial analysis. In particular, they are not an offer or solicitation to buy or sell securities and do not constitute a solicitation to make such an offer. They are intended solely as initial information and are no substitute for advice based on the individual circumstances and knowledge of the investor.
It is an analysis based on publicly available economic data. Despite careful research and the use of reliable sources, no responsibility can be taken for completeness, correctness, timeliness and accuracy.
Any investment in securities involves risks. The value of the investment and the income from it may fluctuate suddenly and substantially and therefore cannot be guaranteed. There is a possibility that the investor will not get back the full amount invested, particularly if the investment is held for only a short time. In some circumstances, a total loss is also possible.
Possible (return) payments from the product may not protect investors against inflation risk. There can be no assurance, therefore, that the purchasing power of the capital invested will not be affected by a general increase in the prices of consumer goods. Figures and information on performance refer to the past and past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.
Only in the context of an investment advisory service can UniCredit Bank Austria AG take into account the personal circumstances of the customer (investment objectives, experience and knowledge, risk appetite, financial circumstances and financial loss tolerance) and carry out a product-specific suitability test.
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