Category Archive: 3.) Swissinfo Business and Economy

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

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 »

Developer invests CH170 million in new Swiss tourist resort

2022-08-23

by

2022-08-23

The Andermatt Swiss Alps (ASA) company, majority owned by Egyptian financier Samih Sawiris, is to build a new 1,800-bed Alpine resort in the Sedrun region in southeast Switzerland.

Read More »

Swiss prepare for energy shortage ‘extreme scenarios’

2022-08-22

by

2022-08-22

The Swiss government and cantons are aiming to be prepared for “extreme scenarios” in the face of possible energy shortages this winter, a top cantonal security official says. For example, a power grid shutdown or blackout would have far-reaching consequences, Fredy Fässler, the president of the Conference of Cantonal Justice and Police Directors, said in an interview published in the tabloid Blick on Saturday.

Read More »

Poll finds early support for pension reform and eco-friendly farming

2022-08-19

by

2022-08-19

Despite leading in latest polls, a proposed ban on factory farming in Switzerland has limited chances of success at the ballot box next month, pollsters say. A reform of the old age pension scheme enjoys more solid backing. 

Read More »

Credit Suisse pursues legal claim against SoftBank in $440m dispute

2022-08-15

by

2022-08-15

Credit Suisse Group applied to the English High Court last week to initiate formal legal proceedings against Japan’s SoftBank Group Corp over a $440 million (CHF414 million) dispute, according to the Financial Times.

Read More »

Solar power plant to be built on Lake Lei dam

2022-08-14

by

2022-08-14

A large alpine solar power plant is to be installed on the dam wall of Lake Lei near Ferrera in southeastern Switzerland. The 1,800 square-metre plant is being built by the Zurich Electricity Company. Located at an altitude of 1,930 metres, the plant will comprise more than 1,000 solar units with a total output of 350 kilowatts, equivalent to the consumption of 160 households.

Read More »

Cassis discusses finance and innovation with UAE minister

2022-08-13

by

2022-08-13

Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis has met the foreign minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in Ticino, southern Switzerland. The working lunch on the Brissago Islands in Lake Maggiore focused on the economy and finance, education, research and innovation, and sustainable development, the foreign ministry said in a statement on Thursday.

Read More »

Episode 3: The Golden ticket

2022-08-12

by

In our satirical video format, Swiss comedian and director Patrick Karpiczenko apologises for Switzerland’s transgressions – this time for so-called golden visas that have been given freely to Russian oligarchs.

Read More »