KOF Economic Barometer: Outlook for the Swiss Economy darkens

In April, the KOF Economic Barometer decreases strongly by 6.1 points to a level of 97.1 (after revised 103.2 in the previous month). The negative developments are reflected in the majority of the indicator bundles included in the Economic Barometer. In particular, the indicator bundle for manufacturing experiences a strong setback. Similarly, the indicator bundles for other services and hospitality are under downward pressure. Solely the level of the indicator bundle for financial and insurance services remains nearly unaltered.

Within the producing industry (manufacturing and construction), the sub-indicators for different aspects of business activity all show negative developments, except for the sub-indicators for the stock of finished products, which show slight positive developments. Particularly negatively impacted are the sub-indicators for exports, production activity and the competitive situation.

Within manufacturing, the indicators for vehicle and also machinery and equipment manufacturers, for paper and printing producers as well as for the electrical industry are slowing down most noticeable. The indicators for the metal industry remain nearly unaltered.