Tag Archives: Swiss National Bank policy

Swiss growth was disappointing at the end of 2016 and in the first half of 2017. Consequently, GDP growth this year is likely to be just 1.0%, its lowest level since 2012. However, a wide set of statistics are already painting a considerably more positive picture of strengthening growth as we approach the end of 2017. Of particular note is the increasing contribution of manufacturing to real GDP growth. Switzerland’s...

Leading indicators are running at multi-year highs, suggesting that underlying momentum is strengthening and becoming more broadly based. Owing to weak GDP momentum in late 2016 and the first half of the year, the Swiss economy is likely to see relatively weak growth in 2017. Part of the weakness in GDP figures was due to specific factors. However, leading indicators, notably consumer confidence, manufacturing PMI and the KoF economic indicator are...

While its persistent weakness leads us to change our short-term forecast for the franc, our outlook for the currency next year remains unchanged.The Swiss franc remains weak, notably against the euro, despite geopolitical tensions, elevated political uncertainty in Spain and some euro weakness relative to the US dollar. This means that the unattractiveness of the franc (based on its high valuation and low yield) outweighs its defensive features.In the short term, given interest rates...