Optimism in the crisis: Wifo boss Felbermayr speaks plain text about the economy

Optimism in the crisis: Wifo boss Felbermayr speaks plain text about the economy

WIFO boss Gabriel Felbermayr expressed new perspectives for the economy in "ZiB2" on Sunday evening. Despite the generally prevailing nervousness, especially through the customs policy of US President Donald Trump, current characteristic data give the reason for moderate optimism. Felbermayr emphasizes that there are always reasons for optimism, especially if there were more hard numbers to underpin the economic Situation. Nevertheless, the view of a recession in 2025 is extremely realistic due to the current framework conditions. The Austrian economy needs stability to avoid negative shocks and the savings rate, which increased as a result of uncertainties, was not predictable in this dimension.

Current developments show that people begin to spend more money again, which can be interpreted as a positive signal. Felbermayr also spoke out for a reopening of the salary financial statements for civil servants. He pointed out that the degree was guaranteed for 2026, but would be expected for hard negotiations for 2027 and 2028.

nervousness through customs policy

The uncertainty created by the customs policy of the Trump government not only has an impact on the United States, but also draws the global economy into the whirlpool. According to a report by ZDF Experts expect a 60 percent probability for recession in the United States in the course of the coming year. Trump's goal of strengthening the US industry seems to be at risk from its aggressive customs policy, which is considered harmful to the US industry.

Economic Historian Adam Tooze criticized the chaotic action of the US government and its consequences for its own economy. His fears are underpinned by the high uncertainty of the stock market, where signs of an impending economic decline are visible.

The effects on Europe

In the meantime, Europe is experiencing an information vacuum about the economic reactions to Trump's measures. Europe is increasingly perceived as an attractive location, some due to more stable political framework. Europe wants to benefit from the situation and actively advertises US researchers and companies. The Financial Times has already published an article that encourages Americans to move to Europe.

In addition, the ZDF that Trump's volatile policy has significantly influenced both international trade and the reaction of the EU. While in the United States the tariffs on European steel and aluminum imports are already in force and EU countermeasures have been taken, the uncertainty about future developments in the US economy remains.

Finally, it can be stated that the coming months will be decisive whether the euphoria of recent economic recovery can be stable in stability or whether the concerns about Trump and his politics will destabilize the economy again.