Inflation: According to the estimate of Statistics Austria, HICP inflation increased to +1.7% y/y in March (February: +1.4%). Prices for fuel as well as clothing were mainly responsible for this increase. The key drivers of the inflation were the prices for accommodation, water and energy and restaurants and hotels. On a month-to- month basis, the average price level rose by +0.9% compared to February. The national CPI measure of inflation amounted to +1.8% y/y (February: +1.5% y/y).

voestalpine: One year after the groundbreaking ceremony for the world’s most advanced special steel plant, construction work for the Euro 350 mn project in Kapfenberg, Styria, is on schedule. After completion of the construction site and associated infrastructure, Group company voestalpine Böhler Edelstahl has now awarded the contract for construction of the hall of the steel plant: Austrian companies Unger Stahlbau Ges.m.b.H, based in Oberwart, Burgenland, and Haslinger Stahlbau GmbH, headquartered in Feldkirchen, Carinthia, will form a consortium to erect the steel construction, which will cover an area of three hectares. The industrial equipment permit for the new plant was issued in March 2019.
voestalpine: weekly performance: 6.25%