August

The KOF Economic Barometer shows the same reading in August as in the previous month. The Barometer thus continues to indicate below-average momentum. Accordingly, during the next few months the Swiss economy can be expected to perform moderately.

Swiss companies’ business situation did not change in July compared with the previous month. Having fallen seven times in succession, the Business Situation Indicator now remains at the prior month’s level. Although the Swiss economy is no longer on a downward trajectory, the economic environment remains challenging.

Most firms in domestically driven sectors plan to boost their headcount over the next few months. Industry, on the other hand, is increasingly expecting to reduce its staffing levels. On the whole, however, the short-term outlook remains fairly upbeat, with the KOF Employment Indicator hovering around 5 points.