Category Archive: 3) Swiss Markets and News
Planning permission by popular consent
Have you ever come across a collection of metal pylons on a patch of grass next to a house and wondered what they were for? In this episode Diccon Bewes explains how democracy works when the Swiss build new homes. (Diccon Bewes for swissinfo.ch) — swissinfo.ch is the international branch of the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SBC). …
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Glacier collapses near Swiss ski resort
An unstable part of a glacier in the Swiss Alps has now completely collapsed, without causing any major damage. The bulk of the ice tongue of the Trift glacier in canton Bern fell down on Sunday, the rest on Monday morning. The area affected is above the village of Saas-Grund, near the resort of Saas-Fee. … Continue reading...
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Chiasso accepts tax payments in bitcoin
Switzerland ramped up its bid to become a global hub for financial technology (fintech) and cryptocurrency start-ups with the decision by a town on the Italian border to accept tax payments in bitcoin. Chiasso announced that it would take bitcoin to settle up to CHF250 ($265) of tax bills from the start of next year.
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Is Switzerland accessible for the disabled?
Navigating your way around train stations, buildings and even websites might be easy enough for an able-bodied person, but how is it for everyone else? Nouvo brings you short videos about Switzerland, Swiss current affairs and the wider world. Keep up to date and watch the videos wherever you are, whenever you like. — swissinfo.ch …
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Hard times continue for Swiss private banks
Over half of private banks in Switzerland analysed by KPMG last year experienced net outflows of client cash. In a difficult period for finance, many could be forced to shut down or be bought out. “Implement truly radical change, or continue to see performance deteriorate.” This was the message of a study released Thursday by audit group KPMG with the University of St. Gallen, evaluating the performance of 85 Swiss private banks.
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Government plans to tackle high roaming charges
Switzerland is one of the most connected countries on the planet, but mobile and internet users in still grumble about lack of choice, unwelcome cold-calling from companies, and high roaming charges when travelling abroad.
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The number of Swiss brewers continues to rise despite declining beer consumption
A recent report shows a 2% drop in average Swiss beer consumption in 2016. Over the last 20 years it has dropped 4% to 54.9 litres per person. On its own this would be no cause for alarm, however in 2016, the number of breweries in Switzerland rose by 21% to 753. Since 2011, the number is up 118% from 345. The website bov.ch lists 794 breweries in Switzerland so it is possible that the number has grown further since government statistics were...
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Switzerland’s home ownership illusion
When 10-year mortgage interest rates fall to 1%, home ownership becomes a very attractive alternative to renting. A recent report on home ownership shows why home ownership remains out of reach of the average Swiss household despite very low interest rates.The report, by Credit Suisse, says that despite the strong desire for people to own their own home, fewer and fewer households are able to afford them as the years go by.
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Swiss retailers called on to remove palm oil from their products
Two Swiss NGOs have started a petition calling for Swiss retailers to reduce or remove palm oil from their products. Present in many processed foods, cosmetics and detergents, the ingredient has a bad reputation. The NGOs Bread for All and the Swiss Catholic Lenten Fund want to see a reduction in palm oil consumption. They believe voluntary initiatives by the palm oil sector to clean up the industry have done nothing to address the real problems...
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UBS Der Alp Praktikant – Intro
Stefan, ein 28-jähriger Zürcher, hat sich in einem mehrstufigen Bewerbungsprozess durchgesetzt. Für zwei Wochen tauscht er Smartphone gegen Mistgabel und Szene-Bar gegen Heustock. Bergbauer Res und seine Familie freuen sich auf den Städter. Bevor das Abenteuer startet, haben wir unsere beiden Hauptakteure getroffen. Mehr zum ungleichen Paar sehen Sie in unserem Intro-Film oder auf https://www.facebook.com/UBSglobal.
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The alp apprentice – intro
Stefan, a 28-year-old Zuricher, completed a multi-stage application process. For two weeks, he’ll now wield a pitchfork instead of a smartphone and hang out among haystacks instead of at nightclubs. Mountain farmer Res and his family are looking forward to welcoming the city dweller. Before the adventure began, we met our two protagonists. Find out …
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Le stagiaire d’alpage – introduction
Stefan, Zurichois de 28 ans, a franchi toutes les étapes du processus de candidature. Pendant deux semaines, il troque son smartphone et les bars de la ville contre une fourche à fumier et une grange. Le paysan de montage Res et sa famille se réjouissent d’accueillir le citadin. Avant le début de l’aventure, nous sommes … Continue...
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L’alpigiano stagisti – introduzione
Stefan, zurighese di 28 anni, si è imposto al termine di un articolato processo di selezione. Per due settimane metterà da parte lo smartphone per impugnare il forcone e lavorare tra mucchi di fieno anziché in un bar alla moda. Res, contadino alpigiano, e la sua famiglia non vedono l’ora di incontrare questo ragazzo di … Continue...
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The last human right
Assisted suicide has been legal in Switzerland for decades, in fact it’s even seen as the last human right. Nouvo brings you short videos about Switzerland, Swiss current affairs and the wider world. Keep up to date and watch the videos wherever you are, whenever you like. — swissinfo.ch is the international branch of the … Continue reading...
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The world’s steepest funicular
Switzerland has the world’s steepest funicular, able to surmount a 47-degree incline. Engineers in canton Schwyz had to develop a completely new sort of railway for it. Tests are currently underway to put the novel technology through its paces. (SRF/swissinfo.ch) — swissinfo.ch is the international branch of the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SBC). Its role is …
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Switzerland’s most expensive apartments in Zurich, Maloja and Lavaux
According to data from comparis.ch, Switzerland’s most expensive apartments are found in Zurich, Maloja – home to Saint-Moritz, and Lavaux-Oron. One square metre will cost you CHF 12,250 (US$ 13,000) in Zurich, CHF 11,500 in Maloja and CHF 11,250 in Lavaux-Oron. Lavaux-Oron contains posh parts of Greater Lausanne, such as Lutry, and the UNESCO-listed wine terraces of Lavaux on the shore of Lake Geneva.
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Henry Blumenthal on navigating an “accelerating present”
In a world where “data is the new oil” and AI is replacing most jobs as we know them, how do we navigate all the change? Get all #InvestecWealth Forum insights here: http://invest.ec/2wWpkwK Henry Blumenthal, Chief Executive, Investec Wealth & Investment SA, opened the #InvestecWealth Forum with insights on the impact of AI on our …
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Swiss employee associations not opposed to a 60 hour week
Swiss employee associations are not opposed to a 60 hour week. Several parliamentary initiatives aim to loosen Swiss labour rules. The first aims to allow staff and employers more flexibility regarding hours worked and time off. The second aims to loosen rules on recording hours of work by managers and specialists. Another initiative aims to extend this to include employees with shareholdings in start-ups.
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