Gross fixed capital formation in Austria picked up markedly in 1988 and will further accelerate in 1989. Yet, investment is still below typical levels in cyclical peaks, as a ratio of GDP it is lower than in 1980. Commercial trade, construction, and a number of service industries took the lead...

The spring round of the WIFO Investment Survey suggests further acceleration in capital spending growth. Yet, the investment ratio for the whole economy is still below its level in previous cyclical peaks and the fast-growing industrial investment remains concentrated on basic goods sectors.