The expert group on business cycles has significantly downgraded its expectations for Switzerland’s GDP growth to 2.0% for 2022 and 1.1% for 2023 (GDP adjusted for sporting events). After a positive first half of the year 2022, the Swiss economy now faces a deteriorating outlook. A tense energy situation and sharp price increases are weighing on economic prospects, especially in Europe.

The Producer and Import Price Index fell in August 2022 by 0.1% compared with the previous month, reaching 109.6 points (December 2020 = 100). Lower prices were seen in particular for petroleum products, basic metals and semi-finished metal products. In contrast, chemical products became more expensive.

At its meeting on 7 September 2022, the Federal Council adopted the report on the recording of the gender overall earnings gap and other indicators on gender-specific income differences. It provides new key figures for Switzerland and places them in relation to existing indicators. In addition, the report also offers interpretation aids to help place the results in an economic, social and institutional context.

Turnover adjusted for sales days and holidays rose in the retail sector by 4.6% in nominal terms in July 2022 compared with the previous year, with just under half of this upturn due to price increases. Seasonally adjusted, nominal turnover fell by 0.3% compared with the previous month.

Switzerland’s gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 4.2% in 2021 at the previous year’s prices. This marked increase follows the decline seen in 2020 (-2.4%) due to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to this recovery, the GDP is above the 2019 level, although parts of the Swiss economy continued to be affected by the pandemic situation.

The consumer price index (CPI) increased by +0.3% in August 2022 compared with the previous month, reaching 104.8 points (December 2020 = 100). Inflation was +3.5% compared with the same month of the previous year.

25.08.2022 – In 2020, the Swiss economy had almost 617 000 businesses and just under 5.3 million jobs. After uninterrupted growth since the start of the statistical series in 2011, the number of businesses and jobs has declined for the first time. Compared with 2019, around 900 fewer units and 33 000 fewer workplaces were recorded, a decline of 0.1% and 0.6% respectively.

The Producer and Import Price Index fell in July 2022 by 0.1% compared with the previous month, reaching 109.7 points (December 2020 = 100). Lower prices were seen in particular for basic metals and semi-finished metal products. Compared with July 2021, the price level of the whole range of domestic and imported products rose by 6.3%.

Turnover adjusted for sales days and holidays rose in the retail sector by 3.2% in nominal terms in June 2022 compared with the previous year. Seasonally adjusted, nominal turnover rose by 0.1% compared with the previous month.

17.07.2022 – Construction expenditure again remained stable in 2021 compared with the previous year. Investments in civil engineering rose by 1.0% and those in building construction fell by 0.4%. As a result, total investment in construction showed a decline of 0.1%. These are the provisional findings from the Construction Statistics from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

The Producer and Import Price Index rose in June 2022 by 0.3% compared with the previous month, reaching 109.8 points (December 2020 = 100). Petroleum products in particular were more expensive. Compared with June 2021, the price level of the whole range of domestic and imported products rose by 6.9%.

In 2021, for the second consecutive year, the activity of medical practices was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite an improved situation compared with 2020, two out of five medical practices experienced reduced activity and one in five had to resort to short-time work. Three out of five primary care practices participated in the vaccination campaign that began at the end of 2020.

Vehicle leases and arrears are the most common types of debt in Switzerland. In 2020, 15.5% of the population lived in a household with at least one vehicle lease and 14.9% in a household with at least one arrear in the past 12 months. 6.9% lived in a household with at least three different types of debt.

The consumer price index (CPI) increased by 0.5% in June 2022 compared with the previous month, reaching 104.5 points (December 2020 = 100). Inflation was +3.4% compared with the same month of the previous year.

Nominal retail trade turnover adjusted for sales days and holidays remained stable in May 2022 compared with the same month of the previous year with a rate of change of 0.0%. Seasonally adjusted, nominal turnover rose by 1.6% compared with the previous month.

The COVID-19 crisis continued to have a major impact on the tourism sector in 2021. After the shock of 2020, there was still no return to the pre-pandemic situation. The number of people travelling remained well below 2019 levels. Revenue (foreign visitors to Switzerland) in the tourism balance increased to CHF 10.1 billion, standing at 43.9% below its 2019 level.

The construction output price index recorded a rise of 4.9% between October 2021 and April 2022, reaching 109.2 points (October 2020 = 100). This result reflects an increase in building and civil engineering prices. Year on year, construction prices increased by 7.7%.

The Producer and Import Price Index rose in May 2022 by 0.9% compared with the previous month, reaching 109.4 points (December 2020 = 100). In particular, petroleum products, petroleum and natural gas as well as chemical products saw higher prices. Compared with May 2021, the price level of the whole range of domestic and imported products rose by 6.9%.

The total number of hours worked in Switzerland reached 7.798 billion in 2021, representing an increase of 2.5% compared with the previous year. The pre-pandemic level has not yet been regained, however. According to the latest results from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) and the Statistical Office of the European Union (Eurostat), the volume of work among 20-64 year olds in Switzerland increased slightly more than in the EU.

The Swiss hotel sector registered 14.6 million overnight stays during the winter tourist season (November 2021 to April 2022). Compared with the same period last year, overnight stays increased by 54.0% (+5.1 million overnight stays). With a total of 5.6 million overnight stays, foreign demand increased by 196.7% (+ 3.7 million). Domestic visitors registered an 18.9% increase (+1.4 million) with 9.0 million units.

In the first quarter of 2022, the number of employed persons in Switzerland increased by 1.7% compared with the same quarter of 2021 and the number of actual hours worked per week, per employed person, rose by 2.8%. During the same period, the unemployment rate as defined by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) fell from 5.8% to 4.6% in Switzerland and from 7.8% to 6.5% in the EU.

The consumer price index (CPI) increased by 0.7% in May 2022 compared with the previous month, reaching 104.0 points (December 2020 = 100). Inflation was +2.9% compared with the same month of the previous year. These are the results of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Turnover adjusted for sales days and holidays fell in the retail sector by 5.1% in nominal terms in April 2022 compared with the previous year. Seasonally adjusted, nominal turnover fell by 1.2% compared with the previous month.

In 2021, 45% of the population took part in continuing education. This share is relatively high, but compared with the last survey in 2016, it corresponds to a decrease of around 17 percentage points. This is largely explained by the COVID-19 pandemic. As in 2016, people attended one or more continuing education courses primarily for professional reasons.

In 2021, the area under cereals (146 400 ha) increased by 3% compared with 2020, while that under potatoes (-2%) and sugar beet (-8%) decreased. The number of farms (48 864) fell further, while organic farming continued to grow.

The Swiss residential property price index (IMPI) fell in the 1st quarter 2022 compared with the previous quarter by 0.4% and reached 110.3 points (4th quarter 2019 = 100). Compared with the same quarter of the previous year, inflation was 7.0%. These are some of the results from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

The Producer and Import Price Index increased in April 2022 by 1.3% compared with the previous month, reaching 108.4 points (December 2020 = 100). Higher prices were seen in particular for petroleum products as well as for basic metals and semi-finished metal products.

Turnover adjusted for sales days and holidays fell in the retail sector by 5.9% in nominal terms in March 2022 compared with the previous year. This decline can mainly be explained by the high figure of March 2021, when the COVID-19 protection measures were lifted before the end of the month and turnover rebounded. Seasonally adjusted, nominal turnover rose by 0.9% compared with the previous month.

14.04.2022 – The Producer and Import Price Index increased in March 2022 by 0.8% compared with the previous month, reaching 107.0 points (December 2020 = 100). Higher prices were seen for petroleum products in particular. Basic metals and semi-finished metal products also became more expensive. Compared with March 2021, the price level of the whole range of domestic and imported products rose by 6.1%.

07.04.2022 – At the end of 2021, more than one in ten Swiss citizens lived abroad. This was a 1.5% increase compared with 2020. Most of these citizens lived in Europe. Regardless of the continent in which they lived, the majority were aged between 18 and 64. Reflecting Switzerland’s multicultural nature, many of them also had more than one nationality, according to the results of the statistics on the Swiss abroad from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

The consumer price index (CPI) increased by 0.6% in March 2022 compared with the previous month, reaching 103.0 points (December 2020 = 100). Inflation was +2.4% compared with the same month of the previous year.

31.3.2022 – Turnover adjusted for sales days and holidays rose in the retail sector by 13.3% in nominal terms in February 2022 compared with the previous year. This sharp increase can partly be explained by the low figure for February 2021, when COVID-19 protective measures were reintroduced. Seasonally adjusted, nominal turnover rose by 0.4% compared with the previous month.

28.03.2022 – For the entire Swiss economy (private and public sectors together), the gross monthly median wage for a full-time job was CHF 6665 in 2020. The gap between the highest and lowest earners in the wage pyramid remained stable overall between 2008 and 2020. The Swiss wage landscape continues to be characterised by major differences between the economic sectors and regions.

28.03.2022 – In 2021, the police recorded 30 351 offences having a digital component, i.e. an increase of more than 24% compared with the previous year, according to results from the Federal Statistical Office’s (FSO) Police crime statistics (PCS).

14.03.2022 – In Switzerland, 42 606 businesses were started from scratch in 2019. This figure, the highest ever recorded, represents growth of 8.0% compared with the previous year. In the same year, the number of high growth enterprises also reached a record, with 4803 units (+8.1% compared with 2018).

The consumer price index (CPI) increased by 0.7% in February 2022 compared with the previous month, reaching 102.4 points (December 2020 = 100). Inflation was +2.2% compared with the same month of the previous year.

11.02.2022 – The consumer price index (CPI) increased by 0.2% in January 2022 compared with the previous month, reaching 101.7 points (December 2020 = 100). Inflation was +1.6% compared with the same month of the previous year. These are the results of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).
The 0.2% increase compared with the previous month is due to several factors including rising prices for gas. Hotel accommodation also recorded a price increase, as did second-hand cars. In contrast, prices for hire of private means of transport and clothing and footwear decreased, the latter due to seasonal sales.
You can find further information such as tables and graphs in the following PDF

Turnover adjusted for sales days and holidays rose in the retail sector by 5.4% in nominal terms in November 2021 compared with the previous year. Seasonally adjusted, nominal turnover rose by 1.4% compared with the previous month. These are provisional findings from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

The Producer and Import Price Index rose in November 2021 by 0.5% compared with the previous month, reaching 105.2 points (December 2020 = 100). In particular, petroleum products as well as petroleum and natural gas saw higher prices. Compared with November 2020, the price level of the whole range of domestic and imported products rose by 5.8%.

Turnover adjusted for sales days and holidays rose in the retail sector by 0.6% in nominal terms in October 2021 compared with the previous year. Seasonally adjusted, nominal turnover rose by 0.5% compared with the previous month.

Switzerland’s settlement and urban areas have expanded by a further 181 km2 in the last ten years, which is twice the area of Lake Zurich. Compared with previous decades, however, settlement growth has slowed down slightly. Forests have also expanded, but only in the mountains.

In 2019, the average household disposable income in Switzerland was CHF 6609 per month. A large part of this amount was used for the consumption of goods and services, namely CHF 4985. Households spent 31.0% of their budget on compulsory expenditure such as taxes, social expenditure and health insurance premiums, averaging CHF 2973.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, academic Baccalaureate holders were much faster to transition to a higher education institution in 2020. This led to a record number of new students in the universities and institutes of technology. Transitions after a federal vocational or specialised Baccalaureate saw hardly any change.

15.11.2021 – In 2020, 10 945 sentences and measures were executed in Switzerland (2019: 13 810). More than two thirds (67%) were for imprisonment in a penal institution. Community service accounted for less than a third (30%) of executions of sentences while electronic monitoring made up 3%. 86% concerned males and 42% Swiss citizens.

The Producer and Import Price Index rose in September 2021 by 0.2% compared with the previous month, reaching 104.1 points (December 2020 = 100). In particular, basic metals and semi-finished metal products as well as petroleum and natural gas saw higher prices. Compared with September 2020, the price level of the whole range of domestic and imported products rose by 4.5%.

06.10.2021 – The UN World Data Forum 2021 (UNWDF) ended Wednesday 6 October in Bern with the adoption of the “Bern Data Compact for the Decade of Action on the Sustainable Development Goals”. This conference, held for the first time in a hybrid format, had a total of 7626 participants registered online, of whom 668 were present in Bern.

The consumer price index (CPI) remained stable in September 2021 compared with the previous month, remaining at 101.3 points (December 2020 = 100). Inflation was +0.9%. compared with the same month of the previous year.

04.10.2021 – Turnover adjusted for sales days and holidays rose in the retail sector by 0.2% in nominal terms in August 2021 compared with the previous year. Seasonally adjusted, nominal turnover rose by 1.4% compared with the previous month. These are provisional findings from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

The Producer and Import Price Index rose in August 2021 by 0.7% compared with the previous month, reaching 103.9 points (December 2020 = 100). Chemical products and pharmaceutical products in particular saw higher prices. Compared with August 2020, the price level of the whole range of domestic and imported products rose by 4.4%.

The hotel sector registered 11.4 million overnight stays in Switzerland in the first half of 2021, representing an increase of 14.3% (+1.4 million) compared with the same period of 2020. With a total of 9.2 million units, domestic demand rose by 55.3% (+3.3 million). Foreign visitors registered a 45.4% decrease (–1.8 million) with 2.2 million overnight stays.

he consumer price index (CPI) fell by 0.1% in July 2021 compared with the previous month, reaching 101.0 points (December 2015 = 100). Inflation was +0.7% compared with the same month of the previous year.

Turnover adjusted for sales days and holidays fell in the retail sector by 0.4% in nominal terms in June 2021 compared with the previous year. Seasonally adjusted, nominal turnover fell by 3.6% compared with the previous month.

The Producer and Import Price Index rose in June 2021 by 0.3% compared with the previous month, reaching 102.7 points (December 2020 = 100). In particular, basic metals and semi-finished metal products, scrap and petroleum products saw higher prices.

The consumer price index (CPI) increased by 0.1% in June 2021 compared with the previous month, reaching 101.1 points (December 2020 = 100). Inflation was +0.6% compared with the same month of the previous year. These are the results of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

urnover adjusted for sales days and holidays rose in the retail sector by 2.3% in nominal terms in May 2021 compared with the previous year. Seasonally adjusted, nominal turnover fell by 1.9% compared with the previous month. These are provisional findings from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

The Producer and Import Price Index increased in May 2021 by 0.8% compared with the previous month, reaching 102.4 points (December 2020 = 100). In particular, higher prices were seen for chemical products, rubber and plastic products, basic metals, semi-finished metal products and pharmaceutical products

The consumer price index (CPI) increased by 0.3% in May 2021 compared with the previous month, reaching 101.0 points (December 2020 = 100). Inflation was +0.6% compared with the same month of the previous year. These are the results of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

In the 1st quarter 2021, total employment (number of jobs) fell for the fourth time in a row compared with the same quarter a year earlier (–0.6%; –0.2% compared with previous quarter). In full-time equivalents, employment in the same period declined by 0.7%.

The Producer and Import Price Index increased in April 2021 by 0.7% compared with the previous month, reaching 101.6 points (December 2020 = 100). Higher prices were seen in particular for computer, electronic and optical products, machinery, basic metals, semi-finished metal products and metal products.

The consumer price index (CPI) increased by 0.2% in April 2021 compared with the previous month, reaching 100.8 points (December 2020 = 100). Inflation was +0.3% compared with the same month of the previous year.

Sentiment amongst Swiss households is improving. The results of the April survey show that expectations regarding general economic development in particular are becoming more positive. The likelihood of households making major purchases has also risen.

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Consumer Confidence: Results of the April 2021 Survey

There were 6316 detained persons in Switzerland on 31 January 2021, corresponding to an 8.4% decline in numbers compared with the same reference day in 2020. The majority of inmates (65%) were detained under a custodial sentence or measure (including the accelerated execution of a sentence), 1986 persons (31%) were in remand or preventive detention and 235 persons (4%) were imprisoned for other reasons.

In 2019, the total health care expenditure in Switzerland according to international standards was CHF 82.1 billion. At 2.3%, growth in health care expenditure was below the five-year average of 2.8%. In comparison to the previous year, the percentage of gross domestic product (GDP) spent on health care at current prices rose from 11.2% to 11.3%.

23.04.2021 – In 2019, hospitals in Switzerland were equipped with 215 MRI devices, representing an increase of 25% in five years. They also had 219 scanners (+9% in five years). In total, almost 1.18 million scans and 1.06 million MRI screenings were carried out in Switzerland in 2019.

19.04.2021 – In 2019, 73.9% of employees in Switzerland registered their working hours, whereas in the European Union (EU) only 58.1% did so. In European comparison, fixed working hours were less common in Switzerland (49.2%; EU: 60.1%) and more employed persons enjoyed a high level of job autonomy (60.4%; EU:  50.6%).

Turnover adjusted for sales days and holidays rose in the retail sector by 6.9% in nominal terms in February 2021 compared with the previous year. Seasonally adjusted, nominal turnover fell by 5.5% compared with the previous month. These are provisional findings from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

01.04.2021 – The consumer price index (CPI) increased by 0.3% in March 2021 compared with the previous month, reaching 100.6 points (December 2020 = 100). Inflation was –0.2% compared with the same month of the previous year. These are the results of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

At the end of 2020, more than one in ten Swiss citizens lived abroad. Almost two thirds lived in Europe, notably in France. Their number increased by 0.7% compared with 2019. The increase in the number of persons aged 65 and over was the most marked (+2.8%). Overall, the share of women remained greater than that of men, according to the results of the statistics on the Swiss abroad from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

18.03.2021 – The Producer and Import Price Index remained unchanged in February 2021 compared with the previous month. The index stood at 100.3 points (December 2020 = 100). Petroleum products as well as basic metals and semi-finished metal products in particular saw higher prices, while pharmaceutical products became cheaper.

Turnover adjusted for sales days and holidays fell in the retail sector by 0.9% in nominal terms in January 2021 compared with the previous year. Seasonally adjusted, nominal turnover fell by 4.9% compared with the previous month. The economic sectors were affected to varying degrees.

In the 4th quarter 2020, the total employment (number of jobs) fell by 0.4% in comparison with the same quarter a year earlier (+0.1% with previous quarter). Among women, the decrease was 0.6%, while employment among men fell by 0.3%. In full-time equivalents, employment in the same period declined also by 0.4%.

Switzerland’s GDP growth slowed to 0.3 % in the 4th quarter after reaching 7.6 % in the 3rd quarter.  Major losses were recorded in the services directly affected by the tightening of the containment measures. Other industries continued to recover. On the whole, the second wave of the coronavirus until the end of 2020 had much less of an impact on the economy than the first wave did last spring.

23.02.2021 – The Producer and Import Price Index rose in January 2021 by 0.3% compared with the previous month, reaching 100.3 points (December 2020 = 100). The rise is due in particular to higher prices for scrap, petroleum products, as well as for basic metals and semi-finished metal products. Compared with January 2020, the price level of the whole range of domestic and imported products fell by 2.1%.

Secondary sector production declined 3.1% in 4th quarter 2020 in comparison with the same quarter a year earlier. Turnover fell by 4.4%. For 2020 as a whole which was shaped by the Covid 19 pandemic, there were strong decreases in production (-3.3%) and turnover (-5.2%).

16.02.2021 – The Swiss residential property price index (IMPI) increased in the 4th quarter 2020 compared with the previous quarter by 2.3% and reached 103.1 points (4th quarter 2019 = 100). Compared with the same quarter of the previous year, inflation was 3.1%. The average annual inflation rate for residential property in 2020 was 2.5%.

Retail trade turnover adjusted for sales days and holidays showed nominal growth of 3.5% in December 2020 compared with the same month of the previous year. Seasonally adjusted, nominal turnover grew by 2.2% compared with the previous month. Despite the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the whole of 2020, provisional results show nominal growth of 0.1%.

Turnover adjusted for sales days and holidays rose in the retail sector by 1.0% in nominal terms in November 2020 compared with the previous year. Seasonally adjusted, nominal turnover fell by 2.4% compared with the previous month.

The construction price index recorded a decline of 0.2% between April and October 2020, reaching 99.7 points (October 2015 = 100). This result reflects a decline in building prices and a slight growth in civil engineering prices. Year on year, construction prices remained stable.

02.12.2020 – The consumer price index (CPI) fell by 0.2% in November 2020 compared with the previous month, reaching 101.0 points (December 2015 = 100). Inflation was –0.7% compared with the same month of the previous year. These are the results of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Switzerland’s GDP grew by 7.2 % in the 3rd quarter of 2020,  after decreasing by a total of 8.6 % in the first half of the year. Domestic demand and parts of the service sector recovered significantly, while international developments had an adverse impact on exports.

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Gross domestic product in the 3rd quarter of 2012 – Still 2 % below pre-crisis level(PDF, 4 pages, 319 kB)
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Gross domestic product in the 3rd quarter 2020

30.11.2020 – Turnover adjusted for sales days and holidays rose in the retail sector by 2.6% in nominal terms in October 2020 compared with the previous year. Seasonally adjusted, nominal turnover rose by 3.3% compared with the previous month.

From 2021, the price indices published by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) will be armed with an updated methodology that reflects market changes as closely as possible. Furthermore, a new price index will be added to the existing set, measuring residential property price change, which will be published on a quarterly basis.

26.11.2020 – In the 3rd quarter 2020, total employment (number of jobs) fell by 0.4% in comparison with the same quarter a year earlier (+0.5% with previous quarter). In full-time equivalents, employment in the same period declined by 0.1%. The Swiss economy counted 11 900 fewer vacancies than in the corresponding quarter of the previous year (–15.1%) with the employment outlook indicator also indicating a downward trend (-2.3%).

Consumer sentiment in Switzerland has largely been stagnating since the summer. All sub-indices used for the calculation are still below their long-term average and none have improved significantly compared to this summer’s survey. Economic development and the situation on the labour market are seen as unfavourable.

The consumer price index (CPI) remained stable in October 2020 compared with the previous month, remaining at 101.2 points (December 2015 = 100). Inflation was –0.6% compared with the same month of the previous year.

30.10.2020 – Turnover adjusted for sales days and holidays rose in the retail sector by 0.3% in nominal terms in September 2020 compared with the previous year. Seasonally adjusted, nominal turnover fell by 3.6% compared with the previous month.

22.10.2020 – The United Nations World Data Forum took place from 19 to 21 October 2020 in digital format due to COVID-19. The event brought together several thousand experts to find innovative solutions in order to meet the need for better quality data to implement the 2030 Agenda and to control the pandemic.

22.10.2020 – In Switzerland, 19.2% of people who pursued a professional activity left their job between 2018 and 2019. Mobility is particularly strong among young people, people with a fixed-term contract or working in the hotel and restaurant sector.

The Expert Group is expecting GDP adjusted for sporting events to fall by 3.8 % in 2020 and unemployment to average 3.2 % over the year as a whole. Prospects for 2020 are therefore less negative than feared in the middle of the year. The momentum is likely to weaken as time goes on.

Turnover adjusted for sales days and holidays rose in the retail sector by 1.6% in nominal terms in August 2020 compared with the previous year. Seasonally adjusted, nominal turnover fell by 2.1% compared with the previous month.

The consumer price index (CPI) remained stable in September 2020 compared with the previous month, reaching 101.2 points (December 2015 = 100). Inflation was –0.8% compared with the same month of the previous year.

The results of the national accounts published by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) have been revised upwards. New data series are available for the period 1995 to 2019. This revision was carried out in collaboration with the sector responsible for quarterly estimates at SECO, provides methodological improvements and takes into consideration new data.

The consumer price index (CPI) remained stable in August 2020 compared with the previous month, reaching 101.2 points (December 2015 = 100). Inflation was –0.9% compared with the same month of the previous year.

Turnover adjusted for sales days and holidays rose in the retail sector by 3.4% in nominal terms in July 2020 compared with the previous year. Seasonally adjusted, nominal turnover rose by 0.7% compared with the previous month.

28.08.2020 – In 2018, almost 70 000 additional jobs were counted in Switzerland, bringing the total to more than 5.2 million. As in the previous years, the tertiary sector, which accounted for some 4 million jobs in 2018, contributed greatly to this increase with a +1.5% rise in employment.

Switzerland’s GDP fell by –8.2 % in the 2nd quarter of 2020, after decreasing by –2.5 % (revised) in the previous quarter.* Domestic economic activity was severely restricted in the wake of the pandemic and the measures are taken to contain it. The global economy also plunged into a sharp recession. However, Switzerland’s GDP decline remained limited in an international comparison.

The number of employed persons in Switzerland fell by 1.6% (–82 000) between the 2nd quarter 2019 and the 2nd quarter 2020. Furthermore, the actual weekly hours per employed person declined by 9.5%.

Consumer sentiment in Switzerland has largely recovered from its slump in April. Expectations regarding general economic development have improved, but those regarding the labour market remain very negative. Accordingly, respondents believe that now is not a good time to make major purchases.

Record fall in overnight stays in first half of 2020The hotel sector registered 9.9 million overnight stays in Switzerland in the first half of 2020, representing a decline of 47.5% (– 8.9 million overnight stays) compared with the same period a year earlier. With a total of 4.1 million overnight stays, foreign demand dropped by 60.1% (– 6.1 million).

The consumer price index (CPI) fell by 0.2% in July 2020 compared with the previous month, reaching 101.2 points (December 2015 = 100). Inflation was –0.9% compared with the same month of the previ-ous year.

Turnover adjusted for sales days and holidays rose in the retail sector by 0.4% in nominal terms in June 2020 compared with the previous year. Seasonally adjusted, nominal turnover fell by 3.6% compared with the previous month.

07.07.2020 – Foreign demand was strong in 2019. The income side of the tourism balance of payments grew, reaching a record level of CHF 17.8 billion. At the same time, people living in Switzerland did not increase their expenditure when travelling abroad, despite price conditions that were more favourable. The tourism balance of payments was negative at CHF -798 million, according to initial estimates from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Turnover adjusted for sales days and holidays rose in the retail sector by 5.6% in nominal terms in May 2020 compared with the previous year. Seasonally adjusted, nominal turnover rose by 30.2% compared with the previous month.

15.06.2020 – In 2019, supplementary accommodation posted a total of 16.7 million overnight stays, i.e. an increase of 0.7% compared with 2018. With 11.4 million units, Swiss visitors represented more than two-thirds of demand (68.6%), i.e. a rise of 2.4%. Foreign visitors registered a 2.8% decrease with 5.2 million units. With 4.4 million overnight stays (-3.8%), European visitors accounted for the majority of stays by foreign guests.

04.06.2020 – The consumer price index (CPI) remained stable in May 2020 compared with the previous month, remaining at 101.3 points (December 2015 = 100). Inflation was –1.3% compared with the same month of the previous year.

Switzerland’s GDP fell by –2.6 % in the 1st quarter of 2020, after rising by +0.3% in the previous quarter. Due to the coronavirus pandemic and the measures to contain it, economic activity in March was severely restricted. The international economic slump also slowed down exports.

12.05.2020 – In 2019, people spent 7.929 billion hours working. Between 2014 and 2019, the actual weekly hours worked by full-time employees fell by 15 minutes on average, reaching 41 hours and 2 minutes. At the same time, the number of weeks of annual holiday continued its gradual increase to 5.2 weeks, according to the latest results from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

05.05.2020 – The consumer price index (CPI) fell by 0.4% in April 2020 compared with the previous month, reaching 101.3 points (December 2015 = 100). Inflation was –1.1% compared with the same month of the previous year.

Turnover adjusted for sales days and holidays fell in the retail sector by 6.2% in nominal terms in March 2020 compared with the previous year. Seasonally adjusted, nominal turnover fell by 6.0% compared with the previous month. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, turnover slumped markedly in some sectors.

09.04.2020 – At the end of 2019, Switzerland had a population of 8 603 900, i.e. 59 400 persons (+0.7%) more than in 2018. Since 2017, the population has grown more slowly than in previous years. Zurich recorded the greatest increase while Appenzell Innerrhoden, Neuchâtel, Nidwalden and Ticino saw their population decline.

02.04.2020 – The consumer price index (CPI) increased by 0.1% in March 2020 compared with the previous month, reaching 101.7 points (December 2015 = 100). Inflation was –0.5% compared with the same month of the previous year. These are the results of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

04.03.2020 – The consumer price index (CPI) increased by 0.1% in February 2020 compared with the previous month, reaching 101.6 points (December 2015 = 100). Inflation was –0.1% compared with the same month of the previous year. These are the results of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

28.02.2020 – Turnover adjusted for sales days and holidays rose in the retail sector by 0.6% in nominal terms in January 2020 compared with the previous year. Seasonally adjusted, nominal turnover fell by 0.6% compared with the previous month. These are provisional findings from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

27.02.2020 – In 2019, the Swiss hotel sector registered 39.6 million overnight stays. This represented growth of 1.9% (+755 000) compared with 2018 and constitutes a new record. This result confirms the upward trend started in 2017. Foreign demand totalled 21.6 million overnight stays which represents an increase of 1.1% (+246 000), i.e. a level of overnight stays never seen before.

25.02.2020 – In the 4th quarter 2019, the total employment (number of jobs) in Switzerland rose by 1.2% in comparison with the same quarter a year earlier (+0.2% with previous quarter). Employment growth has thus been uninterrupted for a decade. In full-time equivalents, employment in the same period rose by 1.1%.

13.02.2020 – The number of employed persons in Switzerland rose by 0.9% between the 4th quarter 2018 and the 4th quarter 2019. During the same period, the unemployment rate as defined by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) declined from 4.6% to 3.9%. The EU’s unemployment rate based also decreased from 6.6% to 6.2%.

10.02.2020 – The consumer price index (CPI) fell by 0.2% in January 2020 compared with the previous month, reach-ing 101.5 points (December 2015 = 100). Inflation was +0.2% compared with the same month of the previous year. These are the results of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

In 2019, 6 160 300 motor vehicles circulated on Swiss roads. This was 46 500 or 0.8% more than in the previous year. Three quarters of the entire fleet were passenger cars, including an increasing number of electric cars: of the 312 900 cars that were newly registered in 2019, 13 200 or 4.2% were purely battery operated.

Turnover adjusted for sales days and holidays fell in the retail sector by 0.4% in nominal terms in December 2019 compared with the previous year. Seasonally adjusted, nominal turnover fell by 0.4% compared with the previous month.

16.12.2019 – Overall, the pension funds have survived the sluggish stock markets of 2018. The negative net return on investments was largely offset by using 40% of the existing reserves for fluctuations in asset value. Underfunding rose by 20%. These are some of the final results from the Federal Statistical Office’s 2018 pension fund statistics.

09.01.2020 – Turnover adjusted for sales days and holidays fell in the retail sector by 0.7% in nominal terms in November 2019 compared with the previous year. Seasonally adjusted, nominal turnover fell by 0.3% compared with the previous month. These are provisional findings from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

07.01.2020 – The consumer price index (CPI) remained stable in December 2019 compared with the previous month, remaining at 101.7 points (December 2015 = 100). Inflation was +0.2% compared with the same month of the previous year. The average annual inflation reached +0.4% in 2019.These are the results of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

03.12.2019 – The consumer price index (CPI) fell by 0.1% in November 2019 compared with the previous month, reaching 101.7 points (December 2015 = 100). Inflation was –0.1% compared with the same month of the previous year. These are the results of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

02.12.2019 – Turnover adjusted for sales days and holidays rose in the retail sector by 0.1% in nominal terms in October 2019 compared with the previous year. Seasonally adjusted, nominal turnover rose by 0.9% compared with the previous month.

Switzerland’s GDP rose by 0.4% in the 3rd quarter of 2019, after increasing by 0.3% in the previous quarter. Exports of chemical and pharmaceutical products and energy were key contributing factors. In other areas, the impact of the subdued international environment was felt more strongly. The economic slowdown is being borne out on the whole.

26.11.2019 – The social partners signatory to Switzerland’s main collective labour agreements (CLA) agreed a nominal rise in real wages of 1.1% and a nominal rise in minimum wages of 0.8% for 2019. Real wages increased by 0.5% at collective level and by 0.6% at individual level. These are the some of the results of the wage agreements survey carried out by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

26.11.2019 – Total employment rose in the third quarter by 1.3% compared with the same quarter a year earlier. At 5.137 million jobs it reached the highest level since the statistics began. In full-time equivalents, employment in the same period rose by 1.1%. The Swiss economy counted 6900 more vacancies than in the corresponding quarter of the previous year (+9.6%).

14.11.2019 – The number of employed persons in Switzerland rose by 0.3% between the 3rd quarter 2018 and the 3rd quarter 2019. During the same period, the unemployment rate as defined by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) increased from 4.4% to 4.6%. The EU’s unemployment rate decreased from 6.5% to 6.2%. These are some of the results of the Swiss Labour Force Survey (SLFS).

The consumer price index (CPI) fell by 0.2% in October 2019 compared with the previous month, reaching 101.8 points (December 2015 = 100). Inflation was –0.3% compared with the same month of the previous year.

Turnover adjusted for sales days and holidays rose in the retail sector by 0.6% in nominal terms in September 2019 compared with the previous year. Seasonally adjusted, nominal turnover fell by 0.5% compared with the previous month. Real turnover adjusted for sales days and holidays rose in the retail sector by 0.9% in September 2019 compared with the previous year.

02.10.2019 – The consumer price index (CPI) fell by 0.1% in September 2019 compared with the previous month, reaching 102.0 points (December 2015 = 100). Inflation was +0.1% compared with the same month of the previous year. These are the results of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Turnover adjusted for sales days and holidays rose in the retail sector by 1.3% in nominal terms in August 2019 compared with the previous year. Seasonally adjusted, nominal turnover fell by 1.6% compared with the previous month. Real turnover adjusted for sales days and holidays fell in the retail sector by 1.4% in August 2019 compared with the previous year.

Switzerland’s GDP rose by 0.3% in the 2nd quarter of 2019, after increasing by 0.4% (revised) in the previous quarter.1 The development of domestic and foreign demand was weak, as in other European countries, which had a particularly negative impact on the service sectors.

Turnover in the retail sector rose by 1.5% in nominal terms in July 2019 compared with the previous year. Seasonally adjusted, nominal turnover rose by 0.1% compared with the previous month. These are provisional findings from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

The consumer price index (CPI) remained stable in August 2019 compared with the previous month, reaching 102.1 points (December 2015 = 100). Inflation was +0.3% compared with the same month of the previous year. These are the results of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

The number of employed persons in Switzerland rose by 1.1% between the 2nd quarter 2018 and the 2nd quarter 2019. During the same period, the unemployment rate as defined by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) fell from 4.6% to 4.2%. The EU unemployment rate based on the ILO definition decreased from 6.8% to 6.3%. These are some of the results from the Swiss Labour Force Survey (SLFS).

Turnover in the retail sector rose by 0.7% in nominal terms in June 2019 compared with the previous year. Seasonally adjusted, nominal turnover rose by 1.4% compared with the previous month. These are provisional findings from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO). Real turnover in the retail sector also adjusted for sales days and holidays rose by 0.7% in June 2019 compared with the previous year.

The consumer price index (CPI) fell by 0.5% in July 2019 compared with the previous month, reaching 102.1 points (December 2015 = 100). Inflation was 0.3% compared with the same month of the previous year. These are the results of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

04.07.2019 – The consumer price index (CPI) remained stable in June 2019 compared with the previous month, remaining at 102.7 (December 2015 = 100). Inflation was 0.6% compared with the same month of the previous year. These are the results of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Turnover in the retail sector fell by 1.6% in nominal terms in May 2019 compared with the previous year. Seasonally adjusted, nominal turnover fell by 1.5% compared with the previous month. These are provisional findings from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

20.06.2019 – The construction price index recorded a rise of 0.5% between October 2018 and April 2019, reaching 99.8 points (October 2015 = 100). This result reflects an increase in building prices and a stabilisation in civil engineering prices. Year on year, construction prices increased by 0.7%. These are the results of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

17.06.2019 – In 2018, supplementary accommodation posted a total of 16.6 million overnight stays, i.e. an increase of 4.2% compared with 2017. With 11.2 million units, Swiss visitors represented more than two-thirds of demand (67.4%), i.e. a rise of 2.9%. Foreign visitors registered a 6.9% increase with 5.4 million units. With 4.5 million units (+6.7%), European visitors generated the most overnight stays by foreigners.

05.06.2019 – The hotel industry in Switzerland recorded 16.7 million overnight stays during the winter tourist season (November 2018 to April 2019), i.e. the best result since the winter season of 2007/2008. Compared with the same period last year this represents an increase of 0.7% (+117 000). With 8.8 million overnight stays, foreign demand rose by 1.0% (+83 000).

03.06.2019 – The consumer price index (CPI) increased by 0.3% in May 2019 compared with the previous month, reaching 102.7 points (December 2015 = 100). Inflation was 0.6% compared with the same month of the previous year. These are the results of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

31.05.2019 – Turnover in the retail sector fell by 0.1% in nominal terms in April 2019 compared with the previous year. Seasonally adjusted, nominal turnover rose by 0.4% compared with the previous month. These are provisional findings from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Switzerland’s GDP rose by 0.6% in the 1st quarter of 2019. Growth was driven primarily by increasing domestic demand. Foreign trade also provided positive impetus. Value added grew in most sectors.

In the 1st quarter 2019, total employment (number of jobs) rose by 1.3% in comparison with the same quarter a year earlier (+0.5% with previous quarter). In full-time equivalents, employment in the same period rose by 1.5%. The Swiss economy counted 6700 more vacancies than in the corresponding quarter of the previous year (+9.4%) with the employment outlook indicator showing a downward trend (–0.1%).

16.05.2019 – The number of employed persons in Switzerland rose by 0.8% between the 1st quarter 2018 and the 1st quarter 2019. During the same period, the unemployment rate as defined by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) declined from 5.2% to 4.9%. The EU’s unemployment rate decreased from 7.4% to 6.8%. These are some of the results from the Swiss Labour Force Survey (SLFS).

03.05.2019 – The consumer price index (CPI) increased by 0.2% in April 2019 compared with the previous month, reaching 102.4 points (December 2015 = 100). Inflation was 0.7% compared with the same month of the previous year. These are the results of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Turnover in the retail sector fell by 0.5% in nominal terms in March 2019 compared with the previous year. Seasonally adjusted, nominal turnover fell by 0.1% compared with the previous month. These are provisional findings from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

30.04.2019 – The Swiss nominal wage index rose by +0.5% on average in 2018 compared with 2017. It settled at 101.6 points (base 2015 = 100). Given an average annual inflation rate of +0.9%, real wages registered a decrease of -0.4% (100.5 points, base 2015 = 100) according to calculations by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

In 2015, transport in Switzerland generated economic costs of around CHF 90 billion. This was 4% more than in 2010. Aviation (+14%) and rail transport (+12%) recorded the largest increases. In comparison, costs for motorised road transport remained rather stable (+2%) and accounted for four fifths of the total transport costs. None of the various transport user groups fully funded the generated costs themselves.

The consumer price index (CPI) increased by 0.5% in March 2019 compared with the previous month, reaching 102.2 points (December 2015 = 100). Inflation was 0.7% compared with the same month of the previous year. These are the results of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Turnover in the retail sector fell by 0.2% in nominal terms in February 2019 compared with the previous year. Seasonally adjusted, nominal turnover rose by 0.2% compared with the previous month. These are provisional findings from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

05.03.2019 – The consumer price index (CPI) increased by 0.4% in February 2019 compared with the previous month, reaching 101.7 points (December 2015 = 100). Inflation was 0.6% compared with the same month of the previous year. These are the results of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Turnover in the retail sector fell by 0.3% in nominal terms in January 2019 compared with the previous year. Seasonally adjusted, nominal turnover fell by 0.3% compared with the previous month. Real turnover in the retail sector also adjusted for sales days and holidays fell by 0.4% in January 2019 compared with the previous year.

Switzerland’s GDP rose by 0.2% in the fourth quarter of 2018. Manufacturing saw dynamic growth. Concurrently, exports of goods increased significantly. In contrast, domestic demand stagnated. GDP growth was 2.5% for 2018 as a whole.

The hotel sector in Switzerland registered 38.8 million overnight stays in 2018, i.e. the best result to date. This represented a growth of 3.8% (+1.4 million) compared with 2017. Foreign demand totalled 21.4 million units, an increase of 4.5% (+921 000) and its best performance in 10 years. Swiss overnight stays increased by 2.9% (+493 000), thus reaching the record value of 17.4 million overnight stays.

In the 4th quarter 2018, total employment (number of jobs) rose by 1.3% in comparison with the same quarter a year earlier (+0.2% with previous quarter; seasonally adjusted figures). In full-time equivalents, employment in the same period rose by 1.6%.

14.02.2019 – The number of employed persons in Switzerland rose by 0.8% between the 4th quarter 2017 and the 4th quarter 2018. During the same period, the unemployment rate as defined by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) increased slightly by 0.1 percentage points to 4.6%. The EU’s unemployment rate decreased from 7.3% to 6.6%.

The consumer price index (CPI) fell by 0.3% in January 2019 compared with the previous month, reach-ing 101.3 points (December 2015 = 100). Inflation was 0.6% compared with the same month of the pre-vious year. These are the results of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

01.02.2019 – Turnover in the retail sector fell by 0.1% in nominal terms in December 2018 compared with the previous year. Seasonally adjusted, nominal turnover fell by 0.3% compared with the previous month. Real turnover in the retail sector also adjusted for sales days and holidays fell by 0.3% in December 2018 compared with the previous year. Real growth takes inflation into consideration.

09.01.2019 – The consumer price index (CPI) fell by 0.3% in December 2018 compared with the previous month, reaching 101.5 points (December 2015 = 100). Inflation was 0.7% compared with the same month of the previous year. The average annual inflation reached 0.9% in 2018.

Turnover in the retail sector fell by 0.2% in nominal terms in November 2018 compared with the previous year. Seasonally adjusted, nominal turnover rose by 0.2% compared with the previous month.

The construction price index recorded a rise of 0.3% between April and October 2018, reaching 99.3 points (October 2015 = 100). This result reflects a greater increase in civil engineering prices than in building prices. Year on year, construction prices increased by 0.6%.

The pension funds can look back on a positive year of investment: net income from investments doubled in 2017, strengthening the reserves and reducing any underfunding. These are some of the final results from the Federal Statistical Office’s 2017 pension fund statistics. You will find further information such as tables and graphs in the PDF below.

The consumer price index (CPI) fell by 0.3% in November 2018 compared with the previous month, reaching 101.8 points (December 2015 = 100). Inflation was 0.9% compared with the same month of the previous year. These are the results of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Turnover in the retail sector rose by 1.2% in nominal terms in October 2018 compared with the previous year. Seasonally adjusted, nominal turnover rose by 1.9% compared with the previous month. These are provisional findings from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Switzerland’s GDP fell by 0.2% in the 3rd quarter of 2018 due to both the industrial and service sectors. On the expenditure side, domestic demand and foreign trade had a negative impact. Switzerland’s GDP fell by 0.2% in the 3rd quarter of 2018, after climbing by 0.7% in the previous quarter.

In the 3rd quarter 2018, total employment (number of jobs) rose by 1.6% in comparison with the same quarter a year earlier (+0.1% with previous quarter; seasonally adjusted figures). In full-time equivalents, employment in the same period rose by 1.8%. The Swiss economy counted 13 500 more vacancies than in the corresponding quarter of the previous year (+23%) and the employment outlook indicator continues to indicate an upward trend (+1.0%). These are some of the findings from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Secondary sector production rose by 1.1% in 3rd quarter 2018 in comparison with the same quarter a year earlier. Turnover rose by 3.1%. In comparison with the previous year industrial production grew in July by 3.3%, in August by 1.7%, then fell in September (-0.4%). For the whole of the 3rd quarter 2018 production increased by 1.4% in comparison with the same quarter a year earlier.

The social partners signatory to Switzerland’s main collective labour agreements (CLA) agreed a nominal rise in real wages of 0.9% and a nominal rise in minimum wages of 0.5% for 2018. Real wages increased by 0.3% at collective level and by 0.6% at individual level.

The number of employed persons in Switzerland rose by 1.2% between the 3rd quarter 2017 and the 3rd quarter 2018. During the same period, the unemployment rate as defined by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) declined by 0.6 percentage points to 4.4%. The EU’s unemployment rate decreased from 7.3% to 6.5%.

Turnover in the retail sector fell by 2.3% in nominal terms in September 2018 compared with the previous year. This is the sharpest decline since December 2016. Seasonally adjusted, nominal turnover fell by 1.6% compared with the previous month. These are provisional findings from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

The consumer price index (CPI) increased by 0.2% in October 2018 compared with the previous month, reaching 102.1 points (December 2015 = 100). Inflation was 1.1% compared with the same month of the previous year. These are the results of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

After a moderate 2015, economic growth increased slightly in most Swiss cantons in 2016. The most pronounced growth in the gross domestic product (GDP) was seen in the cantons of Vaud (+7.4%) and Schaffhausen (+4.2%). These results are taken from initial estimates of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

The consumer price index (CPI) increased by 0.1% in September 2018 compared with the previous month, reaching 101.9 points (December 2015 = 100). Inflation was 1.0% compared with the same month of the previous year. These are the results of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Turnover in the retail sector rose by 1.1% in nominal terms in August 2018 compared with the previous year. Seasonally adjusted, nominal turnover rose by 0.3% compared with the previous month.

The Swiss economy once again recorded dynamic growth in the 2nd quarter of 2018. GDP (+0.7%) expanded at an above-average rate for the fifth quarter in a row. This ex-pansion was largely supported by manufacturing, which has been experiencing a re-markable upturn since spring of 2017. Exports of goods increased accordingly.

Neuchâtel, 4 September 2018 (FSO) – The consumer price index (CPI) remained stable in August 2018 compared with the previous month, remaining at 101.8 points (December 2015 = 100). Inflation was 1.2% compared with the same month of the previous year. These are the results from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Turnover in the retail sector rose by 0.3% in nominal terms in July 2018 compared with the previous year. Seasonally adjusted, nominal turnover fell by 0.9% compared with the previous month.

In the 2nd quarter 2018, total employment (number of jobs) rose by 2.1% in comparison with the same quarter a year earlier (+0.4% with previous quarter). In full-time equivalents, employment in the same period rose by 2.0%. The Swiss economy counted 14 000 more vacancies than in the corresponding quarter of the previous year (+22.6%) and the employment outlook indicator is also indicating an upward trend (+1.1%). These are some of the findings from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

The number of employed persons in Switzerland rose by 0.7% in the 2nd quarter 2018 compared with the same quarter of the previous year. The unemployment rate as defined by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) rose during the same period by 0.2 percentage points to 4.6%. The EU’s unemployment rate based on the ILO definition decreased from 7.6% to 6.9%.

The hotel sector registered 18.4 million overnight stays in Switzerland in the first half of 2018, representing an increase of 3.8% (+670,000 overnight stays) compared with the same period a year earlier. With a total of 10.0 million overnight stays, foreign demand rose by 4.6% (+444,000). Domestic visitors registered 8.3 million overnight stays, i.e. an increase of 2.8% (+226,000).

The consumer price index (CPI) fell by 0.2% in July 2018 compared with the previous month, reaching 101.8 points (December 2015=100). Inflation was 1.2% compared with the same month of the previous year. These are the results from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Consumer sentiment in Switzerland has almost dropped back to its long-term average. While consumers still expect a positive economic development, they are less optimis-tic than in recent quarters. Consumers’ expectations regarding their own budget also remain subdued, while they adjusted their assessment of inflation upwards. Corre-spondingly, the likelihood of consumers making major purchases remains low.

Turnover in the retail sector rose by 1.1% in nominal terms in June 2018 compared with the previous year. Seasonally adjusted, nominal turnover rose by 0.6% compared with the previous month. These are provisional findings from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

In 2017, the Confederation spent CHF 2.2 billion on research and experimental development (R&D). This represents a 7% increase compared with 2015, the year of the previous survey. This is a record amount, mainly paid in the form of contributions to support research activities. Over the same period, Confederation personnel employed in R&D activities declined by 4%, reaching 875 jobs in full-time equivalents.

The consumer price index (CPI) remained stable in June 2018 compared with the previous month, reaching 102.1 points (December 2015=100). Inflation was 1.1% compared with the same month of the previous year. These are the results of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Turnover in the retail sector rose by 0.2% in nominal terms in May 2018 compared with the previous year. Seasonally adjusted, nominal turnover fell by 1.2% compared with the previous month. These are provisional findings from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

For the second consecutive year, the tourism balance of payments was negative in 2017. This means that expenditure by Swiss residents during visits abroad exceeded the expenditure of non-residents during their stay in Switzerland. In an economic climate still marked by a strong franc, the tourism balance of payments was CHF -122 million, according to initial estimates from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

In 2017, supplementary accommodation posted a total of 15.9 million overnight stays, i.e. an increase of 6.9% compared with 2016. With 10.8 million units, Swiss visitors represented more than two-thirds of demand (68.3%), i.e. a rise of 7.0%. Foreign visitors registered a 6.6% increase with 5.0 million units. Among this clientele, European visitors generated the most overnight stays with a total of 4.2 million (+8.4%).

The Swiss nominal wage index rose by +0.4% on average in 2017 compared with 2016. It settled at 101.1 points (base 2015 = 100). Given an average annual inflation rate of +0.5%, real wages registered a decrease of -0.1% (101.0 points, base 2015 = 100) according to calculations by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

The Swiss hotel industry registered 16.5 million overnight stays during the winter tourist season (November 2017 to April 2018), i.e. an increase of 4.6% (+724 000) compared with the same period of the previous year. With a total 8.7 million overnight stays, foreign demand grew by 5.6% (+460 000). Domestic demand rose by 3.5% (+264 000) reaching 7.8 million units.

The consumer price index CPI) increased by 0.4% in May 2018 compared with the previous month, reaching 102.1 points (December 2015=100). Inflation was 1.0% compared with the same month of the previous year. These are the results of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

In the 1st quarter 2018, total employment (number of jobs) rose by 1.6% in comparison with the same quarter a year earlier (+0.6% with previous quarter, +1.7% in full-time equivalents). The Swiss economy counted 77 000 more jobs and 11 000 more vacancies than in the corresponding quarter of the previous year.

Switzerland’s real gross domestic product (GDP) grew by an above-average 0.6% in the 4th quarter of 2017.1 Growth was broad-based across the various business sectors, with manufacturing, construction and most service sectors, particularly financial services, providing momentum. On the expenditure side, growth was underpinned by consumption and investment in construction but was hindered by investment in equipment and foreign trade.

Turnover in the retail sector rose by 2.2% in nominal terms in April 2018 compared with the previous year. Seasonally adjusted, nominal turnover fell by 0.1% compared with the previous month. These are provisional findings from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

The consumer price index (CPI) rose by 0.2% in April 2018 compared with the previous month, reaching 101.7 points (December 2015=100). In comparison with the same month of the previous year, inflation stood at 0.8%. These figures were compiled by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Neuchâtel, 2 May 2018 (FSO) – Turnover in the retail sector fell by 1.2% in nominal terms in March 2018 compared with the previous year. Seasonally adjusted, nominal turnover rose by 0.1% compared with the previous month. These are provisional findings from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Neuchâtel, 26 April 2018 (FSO) – In 2016, 11.4 billion francs were spent on the environment, equivalent to 1.7% of gross domestic product (GDP). Since 2008, environmental expenditure has increased by 5%. Two thirds were spent on wastewater and waste management. Overall, expenditure in these two areas decreased by 5%, while it increased by 34% in the other environmental sectors. These initial estimates are based on the environmental accounts compiled by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Facts provide the foundation for political and social dialogue. But what happens when instead of facts, purposely spread untruths begin to dominate that dialogue? And what can be done about it, or better still, what can be done to stop it? Possible answers can be found at the conference entitled “Truth in numbers – the role of data in a world of fact, fiction and everything in between” that highlights the importance of official statistics for democracy.

The consumer price index (CPI) rose by 0.4% in March 2018 compared with the previous month, reaching 101.5 points (December 2015=100). In comparison with the same month of the previous year, inflation stood at 0.8%. These figures were compiled by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Real turnover in the retail sector also adjusted for sales days and holidays fell by 0.2% in February 2018 compared with the previous year. Real growth takes inflation into consideration. Compared with the previous month, real, seasonally adjusted retail trade turnover registered an increase of 0.3%.

The consumer price index (CPI) increased by 0.4% in February 2018 compared with the previous month, reaching 101.1 points (December 2015=100). Inflation was 0.6% compared with the same month of the previous year. These are the results of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Turnover in the retail sector fell by 0.8% in nominal terms in January 2018 compared with the previous year. Seasonally adjusted, nominal turnover fell by 0.6% compared with the previous month. These are provisional findings from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Switzerland’s real gross domestic product (GDP) grew by an above-average 0.6% in the 4th quarter of 2017.1 Growth was broad-based across the various business sectors, with manufacturing, construction and most service sectors, particularly financial services, providing momentum. On the expenditure side, growth was underpinned by consumption and investment in construction but was hindered by investment in equipment and foreign trade.

In the 4th quarter 2017, total employment (number of jobs) rose by 0.8% in comparison with the same quarter a year earlier (+0.4% with previous quarter). In full-time equivalents, employment in the same period rose by 0.6%. The Swiss economy counted 9000 more vacancies than in the corresponding quarter of the previous year (+16.8%) and the employment outlook indicator is also indicating an upward trend (+1.2%).

The number of employed persons in Switzerland rose by 0.6% between the 4th quarters of 2016 and 2017. During the same period, the unemployment rate as defined by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) declined from 4.6% to 4.5%. The EU’s unemployment rate decreased from 8.3% to 7.4%. These are some of the results of the Swiss Labour Force Survey (SLFS) conducted by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

The consumer price index (CPI) fell by 0.1% in January 2018 compared with the previous month, reaching 100.7 points (December 2015=100). Inflation was 0.7% compared with the same month of the previous year. These are the results of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Turnover in the retail sector rose by 1.5% in nominal terms in December 2017 compared with the previous year. Seasonally adjusted, nominal turnover fell by 0.8% compared with the previous month. These are provisional findings from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Turnover in the retail sector rose by 0.2% in nominal terms in November 2017 compared with the previous year. Seasonally adjusted, nominal turnover rose by 1.4% compared with the previous month. These are the provisional findings from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

The consumer price index (CPI) remained unchanged in December 2017 compared with the previous month, reaching 100.8 points (December 2015=100). Inflation was 0.8% compared with the same month of the previous year. Average annual inflation reached 0.5% in 2017. These are the results of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Economic forecasts by the Federal Government’s Expert Group – Winter 2017/2018* The Federal Government’s Expert Group expects the Swiss economy to make a speedy recovery over the next few quarters. While only moderate GDP growth of 1.0% is anticipated in 2017 due to a weak first half of the year, the forecast for GDP growth in 2018 is strong at 2.3% in the course of the global economic upturn.

For several years the average Swiss farmer has been working well over 60 hours per week. With their off-farm jobs, part-time farmers also work long hours. From 2010 to 2016, however, the hours worked fell by one hour per week. Over the same period, farms greatly increased the direct sale of farm products (+60%). Despite the long working hours, in many cases it is very likely that a family member will take over the farm. These are some of the latest results from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO)

Gross domestic product (GDP) growth slowed between 2014 and 2015 in most cantons. Nevertheless, the cantons of Neuchâtel (+ 4.4%), Schaffhausen (+ 2.9%), Schwyz (+ 2.9%) and Zug (+ 2.8%) recorded a clearly positive development. The canton of Zurich once again made the biggest contribution to the nationwide growth.

The consumer price index (CPI) fell by 0.1% in November 2017 compared with the previous month, reaching 100.9 points (December 2015=100). Inflation was 0.8% compared with the same month of the previous year.

The hotel sector registered 21.3 million overnight stays in Switzerland during the summer tourist season (from May to October 2017). This represents an increase of 5.9% (+1.2 million overnight stays) compared with the same period a year earlier. With a total of 12.1 million overnight stays, foreign demand rose by 7.3% (+823,000). Domestic visitors registered a 4.0% increase (+356,000) with 9.2 million units.

In the 3rd quarter 2017, total employment (number of jobs) rose by 0.8% in comparison with the same quarter a year earlier (+0.3% with the previous quarter). In full-time equivalents, employment in the same period rose by 0.5%. The Swiss economy counted 4000 more vacancies than in the corresponding quarter of the previous year (+7.5%) and the employment outlook indicator is also indicating an upward trend (+0.6%).

Secondary sector production rose by 7.4% in 3rd quarter 2017 in comparison with the same quarter a year earlier. Turnover rose by 6.2%. This is the greatest increase since the 1st quarter 2008.

The number of employed persons in Switzerland rose by 1.0% between the 3rd quarters of 2016 and 2017. During the same period, the unemployment rate as defined by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) declined from 5.1% to 5.0%. The EU’s unemployment rate decreased from 8.2% to 7.3%. These are some of the results of the Swiss Labour Force Survey (SLFS) conducted by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

The consumer price index (CPI) increased by 0.1% in October 2017 compared with the previous month, reaching 100.9 points (December 2015=100). Inflation was 0.7% compared with the same month of the previous year. These are the results of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

The Producer and Import Price Index rose in September 2017 by 0.5% compared with the previous month, reaching 100.5 points (base December 2015 = 100). The rise is due in particular to higher prices for petroleum products, basic metals, semi-finished products of metal, and scrap. Compared with September 2016, the price level of the whole range of domestic and imported products rose by 0.8%.

The consumer price index (IPC) increased by 0.2% in September 2017 compared with the previous month, reaching 100.9 points (December 2015=100).

The Producer and Import Price Index rose in August 2017 by 0.3% compared with the previous month, reaching 100.0 points (base December 2015 = 100). The rise is due in particular to higher prices for petroleum products and chemical products. Compared with August 2016, the price level of the whole range of domestic and imported products rose by 0.6%.

On 1 June 2017, there were 64’893 empty dwellings in Switzerland, i.e. 1.47% of the entire country’s dwelling stock (including single-family houses). This figure represents an increase of 8375 empty dwellings compared with the previous year, i.e. a rise of almost 15%.

The consumer price index (CPI) remained unchanged in August 2017 compared with the previous month, reaching 100.6 points (December 2015=100). Inflation was 0.5% compared with the same month of the previous year.

here were 597,000 enterprises in Switzerland in 2015, i.e. an increase of 3578 entities (+0.6%) in one year. The number of jobs, measured in full-time equivalents, also saw similar growth (+0.5%). These changes were mainly due to the dynamism of very small and very large units in the tertiary sector, according to the latest findings of the structural business statistics (STATENT) from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO)

In the 2nd quarter 2017, total employment (number of jobs) rose by 0.4% in comparison with the same quarter a year earlier (+0.1% with previous quarter). In full-time equivalents, employment in the same period rose by 0.2%. The Swiss economy counted 5700 more vacancies than in the corresponding quarter of the previous year (+10.5%) and the employment outlook indicator is also indicating an upward trend (+0.7%). These are some of the findings from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

The number of employed persons in Switzerland rose by 1.3% in the 2nd quarter 2017 compared with the same quarter of the previous year. The unemployment rate as defined by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) fell during the same period in Switzerland from 4.6% to 4.4%. The EU’s unemployment rate decreased from 8.6% to 7.6%.

The hotel sector registered 17.6 million overnight stays in Switzerland in the first half of 2017, representing an increase of 4.4% (+738,000 overnight stays) compared with the same period a year earlier. With a total of 9.5 million overnight stays, foreign demand rose by 4.7% (+428,000). Domestic visitors registered 8.1 million overnight stays, i.e. an increase of 4.0% (+310,000).

The consumer price index (CPI) fell by 0.3% in July 2017 compared with the previous month, reaching 100.6 points (December 2015=100). Inflation was 0.3% compared with the same month of the previous year.

The total number of hours worked in Switzerland reached 7.892 billion in 2016, representing an increase of 1.4% compared with the previous year. According to the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), between 2011 and 2016, the actual weekly hours worked by full-time employees declined by 13 minutes and stood at 41 hours and 10 minutes, whereas the number of weeks of annual holiday continued its gradual increase to 5.12 weeks.

The consumer price index (CPI) fell by 0.1% in June 2017 compared with the previous month, reaching 100.9 points (December 2015=100). Inflation was 0.2% compared with the same month of the previous year.

For the first time in its history, the tourism balance of payments was negative in 2016. Expenditure by Swiss residents during visits abroad exceeded the expenditure of non-residents during their stay in Switzerland. The former spent CHF 16.3 billion abroad in 2016, 3.8% more than in 2015. Expenditure by the latter in Switzerland rose by 1.4% to CHF 16 billion. In an economic climate marked by a strong franc, the tourism balance of payments was CHF -252 million, according to initial estimates from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

The consumer price index (CPI) increased by 0.2% in May 2017 compared with the previous month, reaching 101.0 points (December 2015=100). Inflation was 0.5% compared with the same month in the previous year.

The hotel sector registered 15.7 million overnight stays in Switzerland during the winter tourist season (from November 2016 to April 2017). This represents an increase of 2.0% (+314,000 overnight stays) compared with the same period a year earlier. With a total of 8.2 million overnight stays, foreign demand rose by 2.1% (+171,000). Domestic visitors registered a 1.9% increase (+143,000) with 7.5 million units. These are the provisional results from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO)

In the 1st quarter 2017, total employment (number of jobs) rose by 0.4% in comparison with the same quarter a year earlier (-0.1% with previous quarter). In full-time equivalents, employment in the same period rose by 0.2%. The Swiss economy counted 7,200 more vacancies than in the corresponding quarter of the previous year (+13.7%). These are some of the findings from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

The number of employed persons in Switzerland rose by 0.6% between the 1st quarters of 2016 and 2017. During the same period, the unemployment rate as defined by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) remained stable at 5.3%. The EU’s unemployment rate fell from 9.2 % to 8.4 %. These are some of the results of the Swiss Labour Force Survey conducted by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO). The results of the SLFS 2010-2016 have been revised and coincide with this press release.

Neuchâtel, 15.05.2017 (FSO) – In 2015 approximately 570 000 people were affected by income poverty in Switzerland. Just under 145,000 of these were employed. The groups most affected were persons living alone or in single parent households with minor children, persons with no post-compulsory education and those living in households where no-one works.

The consumer price index (IPC) increased by 0.2% in April 2017 compared with the previous month, reaching 100.9 points (December 2015=100). Inflation was 0.4% compared with the same month the previous year. These are the results of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

The Swiss nominal wage index rose by +0.7% on average in 2016 compared with 2015. It settled at 100.7 points (base 2015 = 100). Given a negative average annual inflation rate of -0.4%, real wages registered an increase of +1.1% (101.1 points, base 2015 = 100) according to calculations by the Federal Statistical Office.

The consumer price index (IPC) increased by 0.2% in March 2017 compared with the previous month, reaching 100.7 points (December 2015=100). Inflation was 0.6% compared with the same month the previous year. These are the results of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

In 2015 approximately 33,000 persons obtained an old-age pension for the first time from the occupational pension fund (2nd pillar), while some 41,000 persons received a lump-sum withdrawal from their 2nd pillar retirement savings. Men received far higher benefits from the 2nd pillar than women. Pensions obtained before the legal retirement age were on average the highest.

In the 4th quarter 2016, total employment (number of jobs) rose by 0.3% in comparison with the same quarter a year earlier (+0.2% with previous quarter). In full-time equivalents, employment in the same period grew by 0.1%. The Swiss economy counted 3,800 more vacancies than in the corresponding quarter of the previous year (+7.8%). The other indicators also showed positive growth.

Secondary sector production declined 0.8% in 4th quarter 2016 in comparison with the same quarter a year earlier. Turnover fell by 2.1%. This is shown by provisional results from the Federal Statistical Office.

The hotel sector registered 35.5 million overnight stays in Switzerland in 2016, representing a moderate decline of 0.3% (-96,000 overnight stays) compared with 2015. Foreign visitors registered 19.3 million overnight stays, a decline of 1.5% (-288,000). The number of overnight stays by domestic visitors (16.2 million) showed an increase of 1.2% (+192,000) and thus registering a positive result for the fourth consecutive year.

The number of employed persons in Switzerland rose by 1.5% between the 4th quarter 2015 and the 4th quarter 2016. During the same period, the unemployment rate as defined by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) decreased from 4.7% to 4.3%. The EU’s unemployment rate fell from 9.1% to 8.2%. These are some of the results from the Federal Statistical Office.

The Swiss Consumer Price Index (CPI) remained unchanged in January 2017 compared with the previous month at 100.0 points (December 2015=100). Inflation was 0.3% in comparison with the same month in the previous year. These are the findings from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Turnover in the retail sector, adjusted for sales days and holidays, fell by 4.3% in nominal terms in December 2016 compared with the previous year. To put this into perspective, however, it should be noted that unadjusted turnover fell by only 0.7%. Seasonally adjusted, nominal turnover fell by 2.0% compared with the previous month. These are provisional findings from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Turnover in the retail sector rose by 0.2% in nominal terms in November 2016 compared with the previous year. This is the first increase since December 2014. Seasonally adjusted, nominal turnover rose by 0.4% compared with the previous month. These are provisional findings from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Turnover in the retail sector fell by 0.9% in nominal terms in October 2016 compared with the previous year. This decline has been ongoing since January 2015. Seasonally adjusted, nominal turnover rose by 1.3% compared with the previous month. These are provisional findings from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

In the 3rd quarter 2016, total employment (number of jobs) rose by 0.3% in comparison with the same quarter a year earlier (-0.1% compared with the previous quarter). In full-time equivalents, employment in the same period remained unchanged. The Swiss economy counted 4,000 more vacancies than in the corresponding quarter of the previous year (+8.1%). The other indicators also showed positive growth. These are the findings from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Industrial production in the secondary sector rose by 1.1% in 3rd quarter 2016 in comparison with the same quarter a year earlier. Turnover also rose by 1.1%. Orders received increased by 6.6% and orders on hand grew by 2.8%. This is shown by provisional results from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

The Swiss hotel industry registered 3.4 million overnight stays in September 2016, which corresponds to a growth of 0.7% (+23,000 overnight stays) compared with September 2015. Domestic visitors registered 1.6 million overnight stays, i.e. an increase of 1.0% (+16,000). Foreign visitors registered 1.8 million overnight stays, i.e. an increase of 0.4% (+7300). These are provisional results from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Real turnover in the retail sector also adjusted for sales days and holidays fell by 2.3% in September 2016 compared with the previous year. Real growth takes inflation into consideration. Compared with the previous month, real, seasonally adjusted retail trade turnover registered an increase of 0.2%.

We often look at parts of the CPI. For example food inflation is relevant in emerging markets or poorer people in developed nations. Food inflation in Switzerland has risen by 1.3% YoY in August compared to 0.2% in the U.S., and 1.4% in the eurozone and 1.1% in neighbour Germany. Furtunately it has fallen again.

The Swiss hotel industry registered 4.1 million overnight stays in August 2016, which corresponds to a decrease of 1.0% (-43,000 overnight stays) compared with August 2015. Foreign visitors generated 2.4 million overnight stays, representing a decline of 2.8% (-69,000). Domestic visitors registered 1.7 million overnight stays, i.e. an increase of 1.5% (+26,000). These are provisional results from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Turnover in the retail sector fell by 2.9% in nominal terms in August 2016 compared with the previous year. This decline has been ongoing since January 2015. Seasonally adjusted, nominal turnover fell by 0.3% compared with the previous month. These are provisional findings from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

The Producer and Import Price Index fell in August 2016 by 0.3% compared with the previous month, reaching 99.5 points (base December 2015 = 100). This decline is due in particular to lower prices for petroleum products and pharmaceutical products. Compared with August 2015, the price level of the whole range of domestic and imported products fell by 0.4%.

On 1 June 2016, some 56,518 dwellings or 1.30% of all dwellings were unoccupied in Switzerland. Some 5436 more dwellings were empty than in the previous year, representing an increase of 11%. These are findings from the empty dwellings census of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

We often look at parts of the CPI. For example food inflation is relevant in emerging markets or poorer people in developed nations. Food inflation in Switzerland has risen by 1.3% YoY compared to 0.2% in the U.S., and 1.4% in the eurozone and 1.1% in neighbour Germany. Rents are up +0.2% YoY. Existing Swiss rents are bound to interest rates; therefore they cannot follow the Swiss real estate boom yet.

The Swiss hotel industry registered 4.1 million overnight stays in July 2016, which corresponds to a decrease of 0.4% (-18,000 overnight stays) compared with July 2015. Foreign visitors generated 2.3 million overnight stays, representing a decline of 2.0% (-46,000). Domestic visitors registered 1.8 million overnight stays, i.e. an increase of 1.6% (+29,000). These are provisional results from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Turnover in the retail sector fell by 2.6% in nominal terms in July 2016 compared with the previous year. This decrease has been ongoing since January 2015. Seasonally adjusted, nominal turnover rose by 0.4% compared with the previous month. These are provisional findings from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

In 2015 the Swiss economy registered a growth in gross domestic product (GDP) of 0.8% at the previous year’s prices (+2.0% in 2014). Taking a slight decrease in the general price level into account, GDP at current prices grew by 0.3% (2014: +1.4%). This modest increase is in keeping with a difficult monetary environment. The gross national income (GNI) at current prices registered an increase of 1.6% following an improved balance of income with abroad.

Industrial production in the secondary sector declined 1.6% in 2nd quarter 2016 in comparison with the same quarter a year earlier. Turnover fell by 2.6%.

The number of employed persons in Switzerland rose by 1.6% between the 2nd quarter 2015 and the 2nd quarter 2016. During the same period, the unemployment rate as defined by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) increased slightly from 4.2% to 4.3%. The EU’s unemployment rate decreased from 9.5% to 8.6%. These are some of the survey results from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

The Producer and Import Price Index fell in July 2016 by 0.1% compared with the previous month, reaching 99.8 points (base December 2015 = 100). This slight decline is due in particular to lower prices for petroleum products and watches. Compared with July 2015, the price level of the whole range of domestic and imported products fell by 0.8%. These are the findings of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

The Swiss Consumer Price Index (CPI) fell by 0.4% in July 2016 compared with the previous month, reaching 100.3 points (December 2015=100). Inflation was -0.2% in comparison with the same month in the previous year. These are the findings of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

The hotel sector registered 16.8 million overnight stays in Switzerland during the first sixth months of 2016. This represents a decrease of 1.2% (-199,000 overnight stays) compared with the same period a year earlier. With a total of 9.1 million overnight stays, foreign demand showed a drop of 2.5% (-234,000). Domestic visitors registered 7.7 million overnight stays, i.e. an increase of 0.5% (+36,000).

Turnover in the retail sector fell by 4.6% in nominal terms in June 2016 compared with the previous year. The decline has been ongoing since January 2015. This is the largest decline since January 2003. Seasonally adjusted, nominal turnover fell by 0.6% compared with the previous month. These are provisional findings from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

The Producer and Import Price Index rose in June 2016 by 0.1% compared with the previous month, reaching 99.9 points (base December 2015 = 100). Whereas the Producer Price Index declined by 0.2%, the Import Price Index rose by 0.8%. The slight increase of the overall index is due in particular to higher prices for petroleum products. Compared with June 2015, the price level of the whole range of domestic and imported products fell by 1.0%.

The Swiss Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by 0.1% in June 2016 compared with the previous month, reaching 100.7 points (December 2015=100). Inflation was -0.4% in comparison with the same month in the previous year. These are the findings of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

The Swiss hotel industry registered 2.7 million overnight stays in May 2016, which corresponds to a growth of 1.3% (+35,000 overnight stays) compared with May 2015. Domestic visitors recorded 1.1 million overnight stays, representing an increase of 1.9% (+21,000). Foreign demand registered 1.5 million overnight stays, i.e. an increase of 0.9% (+15,000). These are provisional results from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Turnover in the retail sector fell by 2.3% in nominal terms in May 2016 compared with the previous year. This decline has been ongoing since January 2015. Seasonally adjusted, nominal turnover fell by 0.1% compared with the previous month. These are provisional findings from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

In 2014 expenditure on social benefits from the Swiss social security system amounted to CHF 157 billion. This corresponds to a 24.5% share of the gross domestic product (GDP).

The Swiss population not only increases thanks to immigration, but also with the natural change: More live births than deaths. This is different from countries like Russia, Germany or Italy.

The strong franc in 2015 made Switzerland less attractive to foreign tourists, whereas holidays abroad maintained their appeal to Swiss residents. Foreign tourists spent CHF 15.7 billion in Switzerland in 2015, 3.4% less than in 2014, while the spending of Swiss tourists abroad remained constant at CHF 15.4 billion (-0.1%). According to initial estimates from the Federal Statistical Office, the tourism balance of payments remained in positive figures at CHF 323 million.

The strongly negative change in producer prices in 2015 reduced the Swiss franc overvaluation in terms of the Real Effective Exchange. Now, however, producer prices are approaching the zero change again.
It must also be noted that producer prices had fallen by 6% in 2015, while consumer prices went down only by 1.5%. Large margins are remaining for the Swiss retail sector.

For the third time in a row, prices in Switzerland increased against the previous month. Inflation was -0.4% against last year. Still in 2015 yearly inflation was mostly around -1.5% y/y. Now yearly HCPI inflation is -0.5%. Will this rising price tendency continue?

The hotel sector registered 15.4 million overnight stays in Switzerland during the winter season (November 2015 to April 2016). This represents a decrease of 1.8% (-277,000 overnight stays) compared with the same period a year earlier. With a total of 8.0 million overnight stays, foreign demand showed a drop of 3.8% (-313,000). Domestic visitors registered 7.4 million overnight stays, i.e. an increase of 0.5% (+36,000). During the month of April 2016…

In the 1st quarter 2016 total employment (number of jobs) rose by 0.6% compared with the same quarter a year ago (0.0% compared with the previous quarter). In full-time equivalents, employment in the same period fell by 0.2%. The other employment indicators also showed a downward trend. These are the findings of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Retail sales in several countries like Germany, Italy, Japan and Switzerland continue to fall. In the United States they have strongly risen recently. We should remind readers, that used goods sold via Ebay or similar, are not contained in this statistics. Still they create economic value for the purchases. By mentality, Swiss, Germans or Japanese pay more attention so that used goods do not lose their value so quickly.

The sector that got hit most by the sudden appreciation of the Swiss franc, was the industrial production. They must compete with Germany, that benefits of the weak euro. The newest data show that the industry sector has strongly recovered. This opens the question once again, if the Swiss franc is really overvalued? Certainly not against the dollar, other sectors like pharmaceuticals and chemicals export at lot to the United States.

The total number of hours worked in Switzerland reached 7.889 billion in 2015, representing an increase of 2.3% compared with the previous year. Major reason were the increased number of employees and less bank holidays. Between 2011 and 2015, the actual weekly hours worked by full-time employees declined very slightly and stood at 41 hours and 17 minutes, whereas the number of weeks of annual holiday continued its gradual increase, reaching 5.15 weeks.

The Producer and Import Price Index (PP) rose in April 2016 by 0.3% compared with the previous month. The Producer Price Index increased by 0.2%, the Import Price Index rose by 0.4%. The rise is due in particular to higher prices for petroleum products. Compared with April 2015, the PPI is down 2.4%

Ageing effect: Swiss statistics expects that in many central and Southern cantons the number of elderly rises more strongly than in others.

Immigration of younger people to bigger towns like Zurich, Geneva, Basel or Bern, prevents such a strong ageing in other cantons.

French-speaking cantons will have less ageing issues, reasons might be found in higher fertility and higher immigration.

For the second time in a row prices in Switzerland increased by 0.3% against the previous month. Inflation was -0.4% against last year. Still in 2015 inflation was mostly around -1.5%. Will this rising price tendency continue? It will be a problem for the SNB.

Statistics on tourist accommodation in March 2016 The Swiss hotel industry registered 3.2 million overnight stays in March 2016, which corresponds to a growth of 5.7%.

Swiss retail sales Nominal -2.4%, Real -1.3% against last year

03.05.2016 09:15  – FSO, Environment, Sustainable Development, Territory (0353-1604-70) Revision of sustainable development indicator system 2016 Neuchâtel, 03.05.2016 (FSO) – The sustainable development monitoring (MONET) has been revised. The revis…

In 2014 Switzerland was one of the countries with the highest living standards in Europe. This does not exclude financial difficulties, as 6.6% of the population, i.e. approx. 530,000 people were affected by income poverty. Roughly one person in ten cannot afford a week’s holiday away from home according to the Federal Statistical Office’s survey on income and living conditions (SILC).

Statistics on tourist accommodation in 2015
Significant decrease in overnight stays in youth hostels, moderate decline for campsites
Neuchâtel, 25.04.2016 (FSO) – Switzerland’s 51 registered youth hostels generated 814,000 overnight stays in 2015, i.e. a decrease of 14.4% compared with 2014. As for the 410 campsites surveyed, 2.7 million…

FSO, Wages and Working Conditions (0353-1604-40) Swiss wage index 2015 Neuchâtel, 22.04.2016 (FSO) – The Swiss nominal wage index rose by +0.4% on average in 2015 compared with 2014. It settled at 103.7 points (base 2010 = 100). G…

Switzerland’s population grew by 1.1% in 2015. 80% of the change was caused by immigration, mostly from the euro zone.

Higher health costs in Switzerland: 2.8% increase compared with the previous year.
For the strange concept called GDP it is called “economic growth” or “income”. But, as mentioned in the press release: they are economic “costs”.

19.04.2016 09:15  – FSO, Labour Force (0353-1603-90) Swiss Labour Force Survey 2015 Neuchâtel, 19.04.2016 (FSO) – In 2015 the average age of the economically active population was 41.6 years (+0.7 years compared with 2010). The ageing of the economic…

The Producer and Import Price Index remained unchanged in March 2016 compared with the previous month at 99.0 points (base December 2015 = 100). Whereas the Producer Price Index increased by 0.1%, the Import Price Index remained unchanged on average. Compared with March 2015, the price level of the whole range of domestic and imported products fell by 4.7%. These are the findings of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

08.04.2016 09:15  – FSO, Prices (0353-1603-50) Swiss Consumer Price Index in March 2016 Neuchâtel, 08.04.2016 (FSO) – The Swiss Consumer Price Index increased by 0.3% in March 2016 compared with the previous month, reaching 100.1 points (December 201…

07.04.2016 09:15  – FSO, Tourism (0353-1603-40) Statistics on tourist accommodation in February 2016 Neuchâtel, 07.04.2016 (FSO) – The Swiss hotel industry registered 3.1 million overnight stays in February 2016, which corresponds to a decrease of 1….

04.04.2016 11:00  – FSO, Social Assistance (0353-1603-30) 10 years of Swiss Social Assistance Statistics Neuchâtel, 04.04.2016 (BFS) – The Swiss Social Assistance Statistics cover ten years of observation with the latest data from 2014. The social as…

01.04.2016 09:15  – FSO, Economic Surveys (0353-1603-20) Retail trade turnover in February 2016 Neuchâtel, 01.04.2016 (FSO) – Turnover in the retail sector fell by 0.9% in nominal terms in February 2016 compared with the previous year. Seasonally adj…

24.03.2016 09:15  – FSO, Economic structure and analyses (0353-1602-90) Bankruptcy Statistics 2015 Neuchâtel, 24.03.2016 (FSO) – The number of bankruptcy proceedings opened in 2015 rose to 13,016 cases, a 9.9% increase compared with 2014. The Lake Ge…

22.03.2016 09:15  – FSO, Economic Surveys (0353-1601-50) Labour costs 2014 Neuchâtel, 22.03.2016 (FSO) – In 2014, average labour costs in Switzerland amounted to CHF 59.60 per hour worked across the secondary and tertiary sectors. According to the Fe…

22.03.2016 09:15  – FSO, Health (0353-1603-60) Assisted reproductive technology in 2014: definitive data Neuchâtel, 22.03.2016 (FSO) – In 2014, 6269 couples wishing to have children turned to in-vitro fertilisation. This resulted in the birth of 1955…

17.03.2016 09:15  – FSO, Prices (0353-1602-50) Producer and Import Price Index in February 2016 Neuchâtel, 17.03.2016 (FSO) – The Producer and Import Price Index fell in February 2016 by 0.6% compared with the previous month, reaching 99.0 points (ba…

14.03.2016 09:15  – FSO, Economic structure and analyses (0353-1600-90) Women and Science 2015 Neuchâtel, 14.03.2016 (FSO) – In Switzerland, women are outnumbered by men in the field of science and research, especially in academic careers. Only 18% o…

08.03.2016 09:15  – FSO, Prices (0353-1602-40) Swiss Consumer Price Index in February 2016 Neuchâtel, 08.03.2016 (FSO) – The Swiss Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by 0.2% in February 2016 compared with the previous month, reaching 99.8 points

07.03.2016 09:15  – FSO, Tourism (0353-1602-30) Statistics on tourist accommodation in January 2016 Neuchâtel, 07.03.2016 (FSO) – The Swiss hotel industry registered 2.6 million overnight stays in January 2016, which corresponds to a decrease of 6.8%…

01.03.2016 09:15  – FSO, Economic Surveys (0353-1602-20) Retail trade turnover in January 2016 Neuchâtel, 01.03.2016 (FSO) – Turnover in the retail sector fell by 1.3% in nominal terms in January 2016 compared with the previous year. Seasonally adjus…

26.02.2016 09:15  – FSO, Dissemination and Publications (0353-1602-10) Statistical Yearbook of Switzerland 2016 / Statistical Data on Switzerland 2016 Neuchâtel, 26.02.2016 (FSO) – The 2016 editions of the “Statistical Yearbook of Switzerland” and “S…

26.02.2016 09:15  – FSO, Economic Surveys (0353-1602-00) The employment barometer in the 4th quarter 2015 Neuchâtel, 26.02.2016 (FSO) – Employment grew by 0.9% in the 4th quarter 2015 compared with the same quarter of the previous year. However, the …

25.02.2016 09:15  – FSO, Demography and Migration (0353-1601-80) Vital Statistics 2015: provisional results Neuchâtel, 25.02.2016 (FSO) – 2015 was characterised by a sharp increase in the number of deaths, and a fall in the number of births, marriage…

25.02.2016 09:15  – FSO, Economic Surveys (0353-1601-90) Construction Industry Production, Orders and Turnover Statistics in 4th quarter 2015 Neuchâtel, 25.02.2016 (FSO) – Secondary sector production fell by 4.5% in 4th quarter 2015 compared with the…

23.02.2016 10:30  – FSO, Tourism (0353-1601-70) Statistics on tourist accommodation in December and year 2015 Neuchâtel, 23.02.2016 (FSO) – The hotel sector registered 35.6 million overnight stays in Switzerland in 2015, representing a decline of 0.8…

The Producer and Import Price Index fell in January 2016 by 0.4% compared with the previous month, reaching 99.6 points (base December 2015 = 100). Whereas the Producer Price Index declined by 0.1%, the Import Price Index fell by 0.8%. The decline is due largely to falling prices for petroleum products. Compared with January 2015, the price level of the whole range of domestic and imported products fell by 5.3%. These are the findings of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

18.02.2016 09:15  – FSO, Labour Force (0353-1601-40) Swiss Labour Force Survey in 4th quarter 2015: labour supply Neuchâtel, 18.02.2016 (FSO) – The number of employed persons in Switzerland rose by 0.5% between the 4th quarter 2014 and the 4th quarte…

11.02.2016 09:15  – FSO, Prices (0353-1601-30) Swiss Consumer Price Index in January 2016 Neuchâtel, 11.02.2016 (FSO) – The Swiss Consumer Price Index (CPI) fell by 0.4% in January 2016 compared with the previous month. The decline is due largely to …