Swiss KOF barometer slides in January

In January, the KOF Economic Barometer does not continue its upward tendency, which started in September 2017, but has declined. However, despite the decline, the indicator remains well above its long-term average. It still indicates a more dynamic economic development than in mid-2017. The recovery of the Swiss economy is thus likely to continue, albeit with slightly less momentum than indicated in the past few months.

In January 2018, the KOF Economic Barometer declined compared to the previous month (revised to 111.4 from 111.3) by 4.5 points to a value of 106.9. Despite the decline, the indicator remains well above its long-term average and the recovery of the Swiss economy is thus likely to continue.

Declines in the manufacturing and the banking sector are mainly responsible for this weakening. At the same time, the indicators for the hotel and restaurant industry, the export development, the construction sector and private consumption are also easing in January.

Within the manufacturing industry, the worse overall outlook was primarily driven by the chemical, electrical, wood-processing and textile industries. On the other hand, the prospects for the machine-building and food industry have brightened.

The overall markedly deteriorated sentiment in the manufacturing sector is primarily a reflection of the more negative assessment of incoming orders. By contrast, the indicators for the competitive and profit situation cushioned the downward tendency.