Swiss economy: government sees 2017 growth

The Swiss government expects a renewed pick-up in growth as the global economy is set to continue generating momentum. In its economic forecasts that are updated every quarter, SECO said it expected Swiss economic growth of 1.5%, unchanged from its forecast in its September assessment. Economic growth for 2017 is expected at 1.8%, also unchanged from September, driven by domestic demand and foreign trade
"The economic outlook thus remains positive, even if the 'Swiss franc shock' will likely continue to have some impact on the economy," the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) said in a statement, referring to the sudden and sharp appreciation of the Swiss franc in January 2015.

Nonetheless, the agency said one of the biggest risks to international economic development is posed by the increased political uncertainties at the moment.

The Swiss jobless rate is expected to fall gradually to 3.2% in 2017 and then to 3.1% in 2018.
Inflation was forecast at -0.4% for this year and 0.0% in 2017, compared to -0.4% and 0.3% respectively in September. It sees price growth of 0.2% in 2018.