The IPO of CA Immo International took place in an ideal economic climate. The entire world economy developed consistently strongly in 2006 and, for the third year in succession, posted growth rates of around 5% in practically all the major economic regions. Following on from the signs of an upturn in the USA and South East Asia in preceding years, a revival was evident in Japan and the euro zone as well in 2006.
In Europe last year the growth rate more than doubled, to close at 2.7%. It was driven essentially by export successes and high investment demand. The Austrian economy even exceeded this value, expanding by 3.75% and thus marking the strongest growth for six years. Germany was also involved in this upturn and, after a disappointing rise in GDP of just 0.9% in 2005, recorded a value of 2.5% in 2006.
In the new EU member states, 2006 saw economic growth reach its highest level in recent years, at 5.2%. Since this increase was smaller than the gain recorded in the euro zone, however, the catching-up process of the new nations has slowed down somewhat.