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.
Middle East conflict slows growth, but recovery should continue
As the Middle East conflict drags on, economic sentiment in Austria has deteriorated further. The UniCredit Bank Austria Business Indicator fell to minus 1.8 points in April, its lowest level in six months,” says UniCredit Bank Austria Chief Economist Stefan Bruckbauer, adding: “Following the slight rise in GDP at the start of the year, we expect the domestic economy to continue on its path to recovery. However, the deterioration in sentiment at the start of the second quarter points to very subdued growth prospects, at least for the coming months.”
- A further deterioration in sentiment due to the ongoing Middle East conflict caused the UniCredit Bank Austria Business Indicator to fall to minus 1.8 points
- A sharp slump in consumer sentiment and sentiment in the services and construction sectors, though pessimism in industry eased slightly
- GDP forecast of 0.8 per cent for 2026 and 1.2 per cent for 2027, but rising risks of an economic slowdown as the Middle East conflict drags on
- Pressures on the labour market are mounting: the unemployment rate is expected to rise slightly to 7.5 per cent in 2026
- Inflation will not peak until towards the end of 2026
- A 25-basis-point interest rate hike in June is becoming increasingly likely
UniCredit Bank Austria Business Indicator (PDF)
UniCredit Bank Austria Business Indicator – Computation method (PDF)
as of May, 2026
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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.
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