Austria's economic growth improved in the second quarter, after easing sharply at the start of the year, preliminary data from the Austria Institute of Economic Research (WIFO) showed Thursday.

Gross domestic product grew a seasonally and working-day adjusted 0.2 percent following a revised 0.1 percent expansion in the previous quarter. First quarter growth was revised from 0.3 percent reported initially.

Private consumption increased 0.1 percent, keeping the steady pace of growth for the fifth quarter in a row. Public spending grew 0.4 percent for the third consecutive quarter.

Investments remained weak, declining 0.9 percent for the second straight quarter. Exports rose 0.5 percent, slightly faster than 0.3 percent gain in the previous quarter. Imports also rose 0.5 percent, slightly slower than 0.6 percent increase in the previous three months.

On an unadjusted basis, GDP grew 0.6 percent annually in the second quarter, after a 0.1 percent increase in the previous three months.

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