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KOF Economic Barometer: Recovery tendency confirmed
In September, the KOF Economic Barometer continues to rise, albeit only very slightly. However, this month’s small increase nevertheless confirms the much more pronounced rise in the previous month. The Swiss economy is slowly working its way out of the trough.
KOF Economic Forecast, autumn 2024: Lack of recovery in Europe clouds prospects for the Swiss economy
The economic recovery in Switzerland and internationally is sluggish. The KOF expects real sports-adjusted gross domestic product (GDP) to increase by 1.1% in 2024. Weak investment is holding back growth, while the pharmaceutical industry is providing a boost. Sports-adjusted GDP will in-crease by 1.6% in 2025 and 1.7% in 2026. The main reason for the gloomy outlook is the economic weakness in Europe – for instance in Germany, Switzerland's most important trading partner.
KOF Monetary Policy Communicator for the Euro Area, September 2024
The KOF MPC figure for 12 September 2024 is 0.14. At today’s meeting, the ECB’s Governing Council decided to lower the three key ECB interest rates.
Global Barometers declining this month
The Global Barometers record a decline, but overall they are still in line with the tendency towards relative stability observed over the course of this year. The decline brings the Leading Barometer closer to the neutral level of 100 points, while the Coincident Barometer is moving away from this band.
KOF Business Situation Indicator rises again
The KOF Business Situation brightened for the second time in a row in August (see chart G 2). The improvement is becoming more widespread this month. Firms are also more confident about future business activity than before. The Swiss economy staged a modest recovery in the summer.
Can STEM events attract more pupils to technical degree programmes?
A study by KOF at ETH Zurich shows that participation in STEM events increases the likelihood that pupils will later study such a subject. In particular, events at which a larger proportion of female experts present have a strong impact on the choice of subject. However, the positive effect of additional female speakers is not limited to schoolgirls. Pupils are also more likely to choose STEM subjects after attending events featuring a higher proportion of female experts.