News

Swiss Franc Near April Lows on Soft Inflation
The Swiss franc traded at 0.79 per USD, near its weakest since early April, after softer-than-expected inflation data reduced expectations for a Swiss National Bank rate hike this month. Annual inflation in May held at 0.6%, its highest since December 2024 but below the 0.8% forecast. Inflation had been nearly flat at the start of the year but rose slightly after strikes on Iran in late February. Switzerland’s lower reliance on oil and gas, thanks to its Alpine hydropower and nuclear energy, shields it more than the eurozone. SNB Chairman Martin Schlegel noted on Wednesday that, despite recent inflation upticks, medium-term pressures remain largely unchanged. Investors now expect the bank to maintain its key rate at 0% through year-end. Meanwhile, investors monitored Middle East developments: Iran claimed it targeted a US command ship in the Gulf of Oman, the Republican-led House voted to halt US military action against Iran, and Israel and Lebanon agreed to a conditional ceasefire.
Published on 2026-06-04

Swiss Franc Firms
The Swiss franc firmed to 0.78 per USD, reaching the highest since May 12, as optimism about a potential deal between the US and Iran reduced demand for the greenback as a safe-haven. Signs emerged that the US and Iran were moving closer to reach a long-awaited peace deal, though more steps are needed until a final agreement, with key sticking points including the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear programme. Meanwhile, Swiss National Bank (SNB) Vice Chairman Martin Schlegel said recently that although Swiss inflation currently remains within the SNB’s price stability range, the central bank maintains a strong readiness to intervene in foreign exchange markets if necessary. Swiss inflation rose to 0.6% in April, its highest level in 16 months, driven by rising energy costs linked to the war in the Middle East. The Swiss franc has been benefiting strongly from safe-haven inflows amid prolonged geopolitical tensions and global trade uncertainties.
Published on 2026-05-25

Swiss Franc Firms
The Swiss franc firmed to 0.78 per USD, reaching the highest since May 12, as optimism about a potential deal between the US and Iran reduced demand for the greenback as a safe-haven. Signs emerged that the US and Iran were moving closer to reach a long-awaited peace deal, though more steps are needed until a final agreement, with key sticking points including the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear programme. Meanwhile, Swiss National Bank (SNB) Vice Chairman Martin Schlegel said recently that although Swiss inflation currently remains within the SNB’s price stability range, the central bank maintains a strong readiness to intervene in foreign exchange markets if necessary. Swiss inflation rose to 0.6% in April, its highest level in 16 months, driven by rising energy costs linked to the war in the Middle East. The Swiss franc has been benefiting strongly from safe-haven inflows amid prolonged geopolitical tensions and trade uncertainties.
Published on 2026-05-25

Swiss Franc Firms
The Swiss franc firmed to 0.78 per USD, reaching the highest since May 12, as optimism about a potential deal between the US and Iran reduced demand for the greenback as a safe-haven. Signs emerged that the US and Iran were moving closer to reach a long-awaited peace deal, though more steps are needed until a final agreement, with key sticking points including the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear programme. Meanwhile, Swiss National Bank (SNB) Vice Chairman Martin Schlegel said recently that although Swiss inflation currently remains within the SNB’s price stability, the central bank maintains a strong readiness to intervene in foreign exchange markets if necessary.
Published on 2026-05-25

Swiss Franc Firms
The Swiss franc firmed to 0.78 per USD, reaching the highest since May 12, as optimism about a potential deal between the US and Iran reduced demand for the greenback as a safe-haven. Signs emerged that the US and Iran were moving closer to reach a long-awaited peace deal, though more steps are needed until a final agreement, with key sticking points including the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear programme. Meanwhile, Swiss National Bank (SNB) Vice Chairman Martin Schlegel said recently that although Swiss inflation currently remains within the SNB’s price stability range, the central bank maintains a strong readiness to intervene in foreign exchange markets if necessary. Swiss inflation rose to 0.6% in April, its highest level in 16 months, driven by rising energy costs linked to the war in the Middle East. The Swiss franc has been benefiting strongly from safe-haven inflows amid renewed geopolitical tensions and trade uncertainties.
Published on 2026-05-25

Swiss Franc Firms
The Swiss franc firmed to 0.78 per USD, reaching the highest since May 12, as optimism about a potential deal between the US and Iran reduced demand for the greenback as a safe-haven. Signs emerged that the US and Iran were moving closer to reach a long-awaited peace deal, though more steps are needed until a final agreement, with key sticking points including the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear programme. Meanwhile, Swiss National Bank (SNB) Vice Chairman Martin Schlegel said recently that although Swiss inflation currently remains within the SNB’s price stability range, the central bank maintains a strong readiness to intervene in foreign exchange markets if necessary. Swiss inflation rose to 0.6% in April, its highest level in 16 months, driven by rising energy costs linked to the war in the Middle East.
Published on 2026-05-25

Swiss Franc Near Record Highs
The Swiss franc traded around 0.78 per USD, near record highs, as investors evaluated the Swiss National Bank’s policy outlook following the latest inflation data. Ongoing safe-haven flows also lent support. Swiss inflation rose to 0.6% in April, its highest level in 16 months, driven by rising energy costs linked to the war in the Middle East. The increase marked a second consecutive acceleration and pushed the headline inflation rate above the 0.5% average projected by the SNB for this year and 2027 at its last policy meeting in March. Although the central bank expects the spike in costs to be temporary, with minimal change to medium-term price pressures, this offers breathing space for policymakers, who were previously confronting subdued inflation before the Iran war, driven by the strength of the franc. SNB Chairman Martin Schlegel said last month that higher energy prices should lift inflation further in coming quarters, while growth is likely to remain subdued in the near term.
Published on 2026-05-05

Swiss Franc Near Record Highs
The Swiss franc traded around 0.78 per USD, near record highs, as investors evaluated the Swiss National Bank’s policy outlook following the latest inflation data. Ongoing safe-haven flows also lent support. Swiss inflation rose to 0.6% in April, its highest level in 16 months, driven by rising energy costs linked to the war in the Middle East. The increase marked a second consecutive acceleration and pushed the headline inflation rate above the 0.5% average projected by the SNB for this year and 2027 at its last policy meeting in March. Although the central bank expects the spike in costs to be temporary, with minimal change to medium-term price pressures, this offers breathing space for policymakers, who were previously confronting subdued inflation before the Iran war, driven by the strength of the franc. SNB Chairman Martin Schlegel said last month that higher energy prices should lift inflation further in coming quarters, while growth is likely to remain subdued in the near term.
Published on 2026-05-05

Swiss Franc Near Record Highs
The Swiss franc traded around 0.78 per USD, near record highs, as investors evaluated the Swiss National Bank’s policy outlook following the latest inflation data. Ongoing safe-haven demand also lent support. Swiss inflation rose to 0.6% in April, its highest level in 16 months, driven by rising energy costs linked to the war in the Middle East. The increase marked a second consecutive acceleration and pushed the headline inflation rate above the 0.5% average projected by the SNB for this year and 2027 at its last policy meeting in March. Although the central bank expects the spike in costs to be temporary, with minimal change to medium-term price pressures, this offers breathing space for policymakers, who were previously confronting subdued inflation before the Iran war, driven by the strength of the franc. SNB Chairman Martin Schlegel said last month that higher energy prices should lift inflation further in coming quarters, while growth is likely to remain subdued in the near term.
Published on 2026-05-05

Swiss Franc Near Record Highs
The Swiss franc traded around 0.78 per USD, near record highs, as investors evaluated the Swiss National Bank’s policy outlook following the latest inflation data. Ongoing safe-haven flows also lent support. Swiss inflation rose to 0.6% in April, its highest level in 16 months, driven by rising energy costs linked to the war in the Middle East. The increase marked a second consecutive acceleration and pushed the headline inflation rate above the 0.5% average projected by the SNB for this year and 2027 at its last policy meeting in March. Although the central bank expects the spike in costs to be temporary, with minimal change to medium-term price pressures, this offers breathing space for policymakers, who were previously confronting subdued inflation before the Iran war, driven by the strength of the franc. SNB Chairman Martin Schlegel said last month that higher energy prices should lift inflation further in coming quarters, while growth is likely to remain subdued in the near term.
Published on 2026-05-05

Swiss Franc at 2-Week Low
The Swiss franc traded around 0.79 per USD, hovering near two-week lows, as persistent US-Iran conflict uncertainty has prompted investors to favor the greenback as a refuge asset. The initial boost from a ceasefire extension proved short-lived amid stalled negotiations and ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, keeping risks elevated. Meanwhile, Swiss National Bank Chairman Martin Schlegel said at the SNB's General Meeting that the central bank is open to policy adjustments and FX market intervention, reaffirming its inclination to buy foreign currencies to weaken the franc. He added that Switzerland faces a more uncertain outlook, with subdued short-term growth and rising inflation ahead due to higher energy costs. Swiss inflation has recently been sitting at the lower end of the SNB’s 0–2% target range, which is viewed as price stability.
Published on 2026-04-24

Swiss Franc at 2-Week Low
The Swiss franc traded around 0.79 per USD, hovering near two-week lows, as persistent US-Iran conflict uncertainty has prompted investors to favor the greenback as a refuge asset. The initial boost from a ceasefire extension proved short-lived amid stalled negotiations and ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, keeping risks elevated. Meanwhile, Swiss National Bank Chairman Martin Schlegel said at the SNB's General Meeting that the central bank is open to policy adjustments and FX market intervention, reaffirming its inclination to buy foreign currencies to weaken the franc. He added that Switzerland faces a more uncertain outlook, with subdued short-term growth and rising inflation ahead due to higher energy costs. Swiss inflation has recently been sitting at the lower end of the SNB’s 0–2% target range, which is viewed as price stability.
Published on 2026-04-24

Swiss Franc Hovers at 2011-Highs
The Swiss franc hovered around 0.78 per USD, near its highest since July 2011, as optimism over a permanent truce between the US and Iran has diminished safe-haven demand for the greenback. Easing geopolitical concerns reduced fears of a prolonged energy and inflationary shock, while also dampening expectations of a more hawkish stance by major central banks. Meanwhile, the SNB minutes from the latest March meeting pointed to increasing uncertainty over Switzerland’s economic outlook, with global developments, particularly the Middle East conflict, seen as key inflation risks. Policymakers noted that, given heightened geopolitical tensions and safe-haven flows, the SNB is likely to remain highly willing to intervene in FX markets to curb a rapid and excessive appreciation of the franc that could undermine price stability in Switzerland.
Published on 2026-04-16

Swiss Franc Hovers at 2011-Highs
The Swiss franc hovered around 0.78 per USD, near its highest since July 2011, as optimism over a permanent truce between the US and Iran has diminished safe-haven demand for the greenback. This eased fears of a prolonged energy and inflationary shock, while also dampening expectations of a more hawkish stance by major central banks. Meanwhile, the SNB minutes from the latest March meeting pointed to increasing uncertainty over Switzerland’s economic outlook, with global developments, particularly the Middle East conflict, seen as key inflation risks. Policymakers noted that, given heightened geopolitical tensions and safe-haven flows, the SNB is likely to remain highly willing to intervene in FX markets to curb a rapid and excessive appreciation of the franc that could undermine price stability in Switzerland.
Published on 2026-04-16

Swiss Franc Hover at 2011-Highs
The Swiss franc hovered around 0.78 per USD, near its highest since July 2011, as optimism over a permanent truce between the US and Iran has diminished safe-haven demand for the greenback. This eased fears of a prolonged energy and inflationary shock, while also dampening expectations of a more hawkish stance by major central banks. Meanwhile, the SNB minutes from the latest March meeting pointed to increasing uncertainty over Switzerland’s economic outlook, with global developments, particularly the Middle East conflict, seen as key inflation risks. Policymakers noted that, given heightened geopolitical tensions and safe-haven flows, the SNB is likely to remain highly willing to intervene in FX markets to curb a rapid and excessive appreciation of the franc that could undermine price stability in Switzerland.
Published on 2026-04-16

Swiss Franc Rises to Over 2-Week High
The Swiss franc strengthened to around 0.789 per USD, the highest in over two weeks, as hopes of easing Middle East tensions following a US-Iran two-week ceasefire reduced demand for the greenback as a safe haven. Tehran also agreed to allow the safe transit of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz during this period, which alleviated concerns about energy-driven inflation. Swiss inflation surged in March to its fastest pace in a year, driven by rising heating oil costs amid the Middle East energy supply crunch. Data suggested that the dampening effect of a strong Swiss franc on import costs and inflation is being counterbalanced by higher energy prices, easing pressure on the Swiss National Bank to adjust policy.
Published on 2026-04-08

Swiss Franc Rises to Over 2-Week High
The Swiss franc strengthened to around 0.789 per USD, the highest in over two weeks, as hopes of easing Middle East tensions following a US-Iran two-week ceasefire reduced demand for the dollar as a safe haven. Tehran also agreed to allow the safe transit of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz during this period, which alleviated concerns about energy-driven inflation. Swiss inflation surged in March to its fastest pace in a year, driven by rising heating oil costs amid the Middle East energy supply crunch. Data suggested that the dampening effect of a strong Swiss franc on import costs and inflation is being counterbalanced by higher energy prices, easing pressure on the Swiss National Bank to adjust policy.
Published on 2026-04-08

Swiss Franc Rises to Over 2-Week High
The Swiss franc strengthened to around 0.789 per USD, the highest in over two weeks, as hopes of easing Middle East tensions following a US-Iran two-week ceasefire reduced demand for the greenback as a safe haven. Tehran also agreed to allow the safe transit of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz during this period, which alleviated concerns about energy-driven inflation. Swiss inflation surged in March to its fastest pace in a year, driven by rising heating oil costs amid the Middle East energy supply crunch. Data suggested that the dampening effect of a strong Swiss franc on import costs and inflation is being counterbalanced by higher energy prices, easing pressure on the Swiss National Bank to adjust policy.
Published on 2026-04-08

Swiss Franc Subdued
The Swiss franc traded near 0.80 per USD, staying close to the lowest since mid-January, as investors sought the safety of US dollar amid persistent geopolitical risks after President Trump vowed more aggressive strikes on Iran. At the same time, rising domestic inflation reduced pressure on the Swiss National Bank to cut interest rates. Swiss inflation accelerated to a one-year high of 0.3% in March, from 0.1% in February, though below expectations of 0.5%, driven by higher energy prices amid the ongoing Middle East conflict. Figures suggest that the dampening effect of a strong Swiss franc on import costs and inflation is being counterbalanced by higher energy prices, providing the SNB with some flexibility. Swiss National Bank Chair Martin Schlegel and SNB member Petra Tschudin have reiterated the central bank's increased willingness to use interventions to curb the franc's strength, as reintroducing negative rates remains a high bar.
Published on 2026-04-02

Swiss Franc Subdued
The Swiss franc traded around 0.80 per USD, staying close to the lowest since mid-January, as investors sought the safety of US dollar amid persistent geopolitical risks after President Trump vowed more aggressive strikes on Iran. At the same time, rising domestic inflation reduced pressure on the Swiss National Bank to cut interest rates. Swiss inflation accelerated to a one-year high of 0.3% in March, from 0.1% in February, though below expectations of 0.5%, driven by higher energy prices amid the ongoing Middle East conflict. Figures suggest that the dampening effect of a strong Swiss franc on import costs and inflation is being counterbalanced by higher energy prices, providing the SNB with some flexibility. Swiss National Bank Chair Martin Schlegel and SNB member Petra Tschudin have reiterated the central bank's increased willingness to use interventions to curb the franc's strength, as reintroducing negative rates remains a high bar.
Published on 2026-04-02