Swiss KOF Economic Barometer doesn’t move

Switzerland’s KOF economic barometer remained unchanged unexpectedly last month, data showed on Friday. The Swiss KOF Economic Barometer was at 102.2 for December and below consensus expectations of a further improvement to 103.00 for the month.

The index remains slightly above the long-term average and continues to suggest that the economy will grow close to its long-term average over the next few months.

Positive impulses to the unchanged total balance came from the manufacturing industry, weighed up by negative signals from the construction sector, but there was a more cautious tone surrounding the general business situation, the institute said. 

There were no significant changes in the in the hotel and financial sectors with confidence surrounding the international outlook also little changed from November.

The stronger dollar has helped boost the competitive situation within the global economy and there will also be some reduction in pressure for companies to reduce costs. There will, however, be further concerns surrounding the situation with the EU as franc strength continues to undermine the competitive position. There will, therefore, be continued pressure to reduce costs and the National Bank will continue to resist currency gains in the short term.