Category Archive: 3.) Swissinfo Business and Economy

Filter archive by: Show All Show only Articles Show only Videos

‘Let’s Talk’: pension reform debate

2022-09-07

by

A revamp of Switzerland’s pension system is set for a popular vote. SWI swissinfo.ch discussed the issue with supporter Andri Silberschmidt and opponent Barbara Gysi. The reform plans encompass two separate proposals to be decided by voters on September 25: the retirement age for women is to be hiked from 64 to 65, while value-added tax in Switzerland is to rise by 0.4%. Opinion polls suggest the result could be tight. They also show that...

Read More »

Swiss economy slows but stays in the black

2022-09-07

by

2022-09-07

Switzerland’s economic output slowed to 0.3% between April and the end of June, compared to the first quarter of the year. The manufacturing, construction, trade and financial services sectors all showed signs of weakening in the face of energy shortages and rising inflation.

Read More »

Pilot project tests power backup from electric cars

2022-09-07

by

2022-09-07

An innovative pilot project testing the potential of electric cars to stabilise the power grid has been launched in Switzerland.

Read More »

The circular economy: A new way of making and using things

2022-09-07

by

A circular economy means moving away from using precious raw materials and producing goods that end up in the landfill. Products are repaired, reused and recycled instead.

Read More »

Your views on female conscription

2022-09-06

by

By the end of this decade, the Swiss army expects to have trouble recruiting enough personnel. So the defence department is studying the option of drafting women alongside men for military service or an alternative civilian service. We recently asked readers to send in their views on gender-neutral conscription. -- swissinfo.ch is the international branch of the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SBC). Its role is to report on Switzerland and to...

Read More »

Credit Suisse reportedly slashing 5,000 jobs globally

2022-09-06

by

2022-09-06

Embattled Swiss bank Credit Suisse is planning to cut around 10% of its workforce as part of a major cost cutting drive, according to several media reports.

Read More »

Steel mill applies for reduced working hours due to energy costs

2022-09-05

by

2022-09-05

High energy prices have forced a steel mill in Switzerland to prepare for short-time working to avoid layoffs.   

Read More »

Swiss bank takes plunge into the metaverse

2022-09-04

by

2022-09-04

Swiss digital assets bank Sygnum will open a branch in the metaverse to reach more clients seeking blockchain-based financial services. Sygnum was one of two banks that were awarded licenses in 2019 to connect traditional finance with cryptocurrencies and the blockchain. Blockchain and other Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) databases provide a home for digital currencies and other assets, such as company shares, collectibles and art.

Read More »

Electricity shortage boosts solar energy

2022-09-03

by

2022-09-03

Fears of an electricity shortage in Switzerland appear to have had a positive effect on the expansion of solar energy. The Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) expects the market to grow by around 50% in 2022.

Read More »

Inflation continues to bite in Switzerland

2022-09-02

by

2022-09-02

The cost of goods and services in Switzerland rose 3.5% in August compared to the same month last year, but the inflation rate still remains below that of many other countries.

Read More »

Swiss population urged to save energy to mitigate winter shortages

2022-09-01

by

2022-09-01

The Swiss government has appealed to the population to save on household energy ahead of anticipated electricity and gas shortages this winter.

Read More »

Switzerland should get tougher on money-laundering, says report

2022-08-31

by

2022-08-31

Swiss legislation is lagging behind in the fight against money laundering, and “seldom anticipates developments at international level”, the Swiss Federal Audit Office (SFAO) has warned.

Read More »

Healthcare and pensions top Swiss worry list

2022-08-30

by

2022-08-30

Healthcare costs, the pension system and climate change are the top three burning issues for the Swiss, according to a survey published by the Tamedia group. Covid has slipped out of sight and mind.

Read More »

Swiss electricity boss: energy policy not to blame for shortages

2022-08-29

by

2022-08-29

The head of the Swiss Federal Electricity Commission (Elcom) reckons a winter energy crisis is virtually unavoidable. However, he said the cause of the problem – war in Ukraine – was also difficult to predict.

Read More »

Swiss panoramic train to debut in December

2022-08-27

by

2022-08-27

The GoldenPass Express (GPX) panoramic train, which will link Montreux to Interlaken without any station changes, will make its debut on December 11. 

Read More »

Novartis job cuts to heavily impact management roles

2022-08-26

by

2022-08-26

Of the 1,400 job cuts announced by the pharma giant in Switzerland, up to half of them will involve staff in leadership positions, the company said on Monday. For these executive roles, the consultation process has been finalised, and the first individuals concerned will be informed “in the coming weeks”, said the head of Novartis Switzerland Matthias Leuenberger at a media event in Zurich.

Read More »

Zurich airport bounces back to profit after pandemic

2022-08-25

by

2022-08-25

Switzerland’s busiest airport has posted a CHF55 million ($57 million) net profit for the first six months of the year as post-pandemic air travel picks up.

Read More »

Switzerland banks on hydropower reserve to combat energy crunch

2022-08-25

by

2022-08-25

The Swiss Federal Electricity Commission (Elcom) has laid out plans to hold back hydropower reserves to help compensate for anticipated energy shortages this winter.

Read More »

Concerns raised over looming energy shortage

2022-08-24

by

2022-08-24

Leading voices from business and politics have called on the Swiss government – and in particular economy minister Guy Parmelin – to do more about possible energy and gas shortages over the winter.

Read More »

Swiss minister urges calm over energy shortage fears

2022-08-24

by

2022-08-24

The threat of energy shortages in Switzerland this winter should not be over-dramatised, Economics Minister Guy Parmelin has said in response to growing calls at the weekend for government action.

Read More »