Category: Switzerland

Switzerland Joins Chinese Alternative to World Bank

The Chinese have been pushing hard to gain traction with their alternative to the World Bank, and the efforts appear to be paying dividends. Switzerland has become the 37th nation to join the newly created Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) as a “founding member.”

Much like the World Bank, headquartered in the United States, the Chinese-led AIIB will finance nations seeking to improve infrastructure and prevent poverty. The AIIB has a special interest in transport links and other large-scale construction projects, particularly in Asia.

OECD: Swiss Economic Performance Strong, but Pursue Changes to Remain So

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) recently issued a report reviewing the Swiss economy. According to the study, while the Swiss economy has vastly outperformed most of its neighbors, it should wean itself off cheap mortgages and improve labor productivity to remain competitive.

The report also warned against a recent referendum regarding the flow of foreign workers across the Swiss borders and the scarce amount of business investment in the last several years.

Switzerland Narrowly Averts Recession in Second Quarter

Defying analyst forecasts, Switzerland’s economy grew 0.2 percent, surpassing expectations of a 0.1-percent contraction that would have led to a recession, according to Reuters. Exports and consumer spending increased, as well as construction and machinery investments.

The Swiss National Bank’s decision to remove the cap on the franc currency placed the country in a precarious position, but the economy seems to be pressing on, especially in the area of exports. Overall, exports rose 0.5 percent, particularly in such areas as watchmaking, jewelry and pharmaceuticals.

Stronger Franc Hurts Swiss Exporters

The Swiss economy contracted at its fastest rate in six years, with GDP falling 0.2 percent in Q1, as the nation’s export capacity suffers from a stronger currency. Exports fell 2.3 percent in the first three months of 2015.

Swiss Economy Defies Doomsday Predictions

Despite dire warnings from Swiss corporations, Switzerland’s economy continues to excel. The Swiss business community and various analysts warned of drastic economic decline when the Swiss National Bank lifted a cap on the franc in January 2015.

The Economic Forecast Remains Disappointing for Switzerland

The economy in Switzerland has been struggling lately. Recent activity within the country has taken a significant hit since the economic slowdown that has had an impact on Europe. Furthermore, falling construction spending, and a survey of Swiss investors indicated that economic expectations could be falling as we approach the end of 2014. It does not help this country has a lavish safety net for citizens who do not want work. Socialized health care for instance just eats into the GDP of any country.

Swiss Muses New Gold Rules as Rout Continues

Switzerland gears up for a national referendum on November 30th that may raise demand for the metal even as its price continues to crater on lukewarm investor demand.

The Swiss Economy Starts to Stagnate in Second Quarter

The second quarter has shown weakness in Switzerland’s economy this week, since its prominent European Union markets of export have hit demand for the industrial goods of this Alpine country. The GDP of Switzerland, or ‘gross domestic product’ which provides a broad measurement of the economic growth of the nation, has shown no evidence of growth during the three months coming up to the end of June, when compared with the first quarter.