From the NZZ:
Read More »Swiss exports exceed level before franc’s shock rise
In the third quarter of 2016, Swiss exports reached CHF 52.5 billion, 8.1% higher than they were for the same period in 2015, according to statisticians in Bern. Industries contributing to the rise were jewellery and precious metals (+21%) and pharmaceuticals (+17%). The industry showing the most negative shift was watchmaking (-8%). © Filmfoto | Dreamstime.com Stronger pharmaceuticals exports were behind 80% of the rise. Exports to North America (+24%) lead the way. Despite a decline in...
Read More »World War I Turned the Swiss Franc Into a Strong Currency
In Die Volkswirtschaft, Ernst Baltensperger and Peter Kugler summarize the history of the Swiss Franc since the mid 19th century: After 1973, the Swiss Franc has been strong. Swiss Franc yields have been lower than what uncovered interest parity would suggest. Before 1914, the Swiss Franc was weak in the sense that it enjoyed only limited credibility. In periods with fixed exchange rates, Swiss Franc yields typically exceeded yields in French Franc or Sterling. Throughout the 20th...
Read More »SNB sees weaker medium-term inflation
Macroview SNB likely to keep negative deposit rate until end of ECB’s asset buying programme, and focus on forex intervention to control upward pressure on franc. The Swiss National Bank (SNB) decided on September 15 to maintain its interest rate on sight deposits unchanged at -0.75%.In its quarterly monetary policy assessment, the SNB highlighted once again the Swiss franc’s overvaluation and reiterated its willingness to intervene on the foreign exchange market if needed.The central bank...
Read More »Swiss trains the most expensive in Europe
The following study shows that Switzerland’s trains are the most expensive in Europe. Effectively many tourists are shocked by the high Swiss prices. But there are objections: Nearly all Swiss train commuters possess either a half fare ticket or a monthly or yearly public transport ticket for their way to work. This reduces the high prices heavily. Moreover, the Swiss trains are the quickest and most punctual. For a...
Read More »Environment is supportive of US dollar
Macroview While near-term Fed rate hike has been priced in, other factors favour the greenback in the medium term. Alternatives like the Swiss franc and Australian dollar look less attractive. With a December rate hike already largely priced in, further dollar support from Fed tightening could be fairly limited in the next few months, especially as the Fed is likely to lower its rate forecasts for the coming years to take into account increasing concerns about the decline in ‘neutral’ real...
Read More »Why Switzerland’s franc is still strong in four charts
Investec Switzerland. Swiss National Bank President Thomas Jordan keeps saying the franc is “significantly overvalued.” And that’s despite the central bank’s record-low deposit rate and occasional currency market interventions. © Dariusz Kopestynski | Dreamstime.com While the franc is typically a top choice for foreign investors looking for a safe place to park their money, anxieties about the euro area’s debt burden or Brexit aren’t the only factor. The residents of...
Read More »Why Switzerland’s franc is still strong in four charts
A very insightful post from Bloomberg. We added some more explanations. We explained that the dollar is currently more overvalued than the Swiss Franc. Swiss National Bank President Thomas Jordan keeps saying the franc is “significantly overvalued.” And that’s despite the central bank’s record-low deposit rate and occasional currency market interventions. While the franc is typically a top choice for foreign...
Read More »Greenspan explains negative Swiss Yields
Jeff Gundlach is not the only person who is feeling “maximum negative” on Treasuries. In an interview, none other than the “Maestro” Alan Greenspan, the man whose “great moderation” policy made the current global bond bubble possible, said that he is worried bond prices have risen too high. Asked if he finds what is happened in the bond market right now “in any way, shape, or form concerning for financial...
Read More »Big Macs, Swiss Francs and Euros
Adjusted for GDP, The Economist’s Big Mac Index suggests that the Swiss Franc is 9 percent over valued relative to the US Dollar while the Euro is 17 percent under valued.
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