02
KOF Economic Barometer: Still above average despite decline
In February, the KOF Economic Barometer decreases slightly after having risen three times in a row. On the back of these previous increases, the Barometer remains above average. Despite the slight cooling, the rather positive economic signals in Switzerland remain intact.
Global Economic Barometers fail to continue their upward series
After seven consecutive months of increases, the Global Barometers decline in February. The Coincident Barometer remains below average, while the Leading Barometer remains above average. This decline is a warning that the recovery process is fragile.
KOF Business Tendency Surveys from January: weaker economy but firms expect to see improvement
The KOF Business Situation Indicator for the Swiss private sector, which is calculated on the basis of KOF Business Tendency Surveys, fell again at the beginning of the year. Weak foreign demand in particular is weighing on the export sector. However, there is a silver lining on the horizon: firms are much more confident about the next six months than they were previously.
KOF Employment Indicator: labour market remains in good shape
Starting from a fairly high level, the KOF Employment Indicator fell slightly in the first quarter of 2024 compared with the previous quarter. This decline is the result of the deteriorating outlook in the retail, hospitality and manufacturing sectors. Overall, however, the Swiss labour market is expected to perform well in the current and coming quarters.