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Global Barometers rise again in May
The Leading Global Barometer rises for the second month in a row, but only partially compensating for the losses in February and March. The Coincident Barometer increases marginally this month, remaining within the narrow range of 93 to 94 points observed since February.
“Switzerland is under pressure to act”
KOF Director Jan-Egbert Sturm talks about Switzerland’s relationship with the European Union and analyses the opportunities and risks posed by the new negotiations for the bilateral agreements.
KOF Business Tendency Surveys: challenges facing the Swiss economy are diminishing
The KOF Business Situation Indicator for the Swiss private sector, which is calculated on the basis of the KOF Business Tendency Surveys, rose modestly in April (see chart G 7). The situation in the manufacturing sector eased, while it deteriorated slightly in the construction industry. Companies’ inflation forecasts are falling and private consumption could provide stimulus to the Swiss economy.
Elections cause fiscal waste in weak and strong democracies alike
Once politicians enter office, they strongly prefer to stay there. Politicians in democracies may therefore be tempted to engage in wasteful spending during elections to convince voters of their economic merits. Such fiscal manipulation is traditionally linked to uninformed voter bases in less developed democracies. A recent study by KOF researchers, however, reveals that fiscal manipulation is more widespread and complex.
The EU in crisis: taking stock of the economy
There is currently a lack of economic growth in the European Union. In addition, demographic change and unresolved structural problems are slowing economic activity. Once the European elections have been held in June, the new EU government will face major challenges. KOF’s international economic experts have analysed the situation in the three largest EU member states Germany, France and Italy.
KOF Business Tendency Surveys from April: modest recovery in the business situation
The KOF Business Situation Indicator for the Swiss private sector, which is calculated from KOF’s Business Tendency Surveys, improved slightly in April. The situation in the manufacturing sector eased, while it deteriorated slightly in the construction industry.