A boost to investment and net exports from the tailwind of strong external demand, together with faster expansion of household spending owing to rising employment, are forecast to lift GDP growth to around 2¼ percent in 2018, said the IMF in a statement referring to Switzerland issued on 26 March 2018.
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On the downside the IMF said: rising international trade tensions could impact Switzerland’s externally-oriented economy. More uncertain geopolitics could rekindle safe-haven inflows, sharply appreciating the franc and eroding competitiveness in less-productive sectors.
Uncertainty regarding long-term Swiss-EU relations could affect cross-border flows. Further delays in meeting international standards on corporate income taxation could reduce Switzerland’s appeal as an investment destination.
The report also points out risks lurking in the property market. Recently, mortgage lending standards have slipped with a significant share of new mortgages falling short of loan affordability norms. In addition, construction continues despite rising vacancy rates. These risks are compounded by high domestic exposure to real estate through direct and indirect ownership via pension funds.
Structural challenges
The IMF points out financial pressure related to Switzerland’s current retirement age. The official retirement age, which remains 65 for men and 64 for women, is low in the context of an average life expectancy of 83 years for women.
It recommends working longer or linking the official retirement age to life expectancy, and raising the full-time employment of women – whose participation is discouraged by high childcare costs.
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