Setback for the KOF Economic Barometer
The KOF Economic Barometer falls slightly in April, after last month's recovery, which had followed five consecutive declines. In April, however, it only loses a small part of the increase of the previous month. The Barometer value is still clearly below average. The Swiss economy is likely to develop sluggish in the coming months.
The KOF Economic Barometer drops by 0.9 points in April, from 97.1 (revised from 97.4) to an index value of 96.2. The decline is largely due to the indicators for the manufacturing sector. In addition, the indicators for the construction industry are slightly declining. The signals for private consumption as well as the banking and insurance sector are almost unchanged. The outlook for other service providers, accommodation and food service activities and for foreign demand is slightly better than in the previous month.
In the goods producing sectors (manufacturing and construction), almost all sub-indicators recorded a negative development in April. The negative developments are particularly pronounced in the indicators for employment, the order situation and the competitive position.
Within the manufacturing sector, the outlook for the metal, electrical, textile and clothing industries is clouding over. The indicators for machinery and vehicles and for wood, glass, stone and earth are slightly negative. The chemicals, pharmaceuticals and plastics industry is stable. There is a positive tendency in the food and beverages and in the paper and printing industries.
Contact
KOF Konjunkturforschungsstelle
Leonhardstrasse 21
8092
Zürich
Switzerland