Swiss Economic Barometer Highest in 4 Months

Switzerland's KOF Economic Barometer climbed to 101.2 in June 2026 from an upwardly revised 98.6 in May, reaching its highest level in four months and well above the market consensus of 98.2. After several months below its medium-term average, the index has now moved slightly back above it. The reading signaled a noticeable improvement in Switzerland's six-month economic outlook, underpinned by robust manufacturing indicators and improving prospects for foreign demand and private consumption. The majority of indicator bundles within the producing industry, including manufacturing and construction, reflect this positive outlook. Within manufacturing, sentiment improved broadly across sub-sectors, particularly textiles, machinery and equipment, and paper and printing products.

Switzerland’s KOF Economic Barometer came in at 98.0 in May 2026, slightly up from a revised 97.8 and matching market expectations. The reading signals a subdued economic outlook. On the production side, manufacturing indicators face pressure, partly offset by positive trends in financial and insurance services. On the demand side, foreign demand shows improvement, while private consumption indicators decline.

Switzerland’s KOF Economic Barometer climbed to 97.9 in April 2026, up from a nine-month low of 95.6 in March and exceeding market expectations of 95.9, driven by positive developments in manufacturing, other services, and private consumption, though the hospitality sector weakened. Indicator bundles for foreign demand, financial and insurance services, and construction remained largely unchanged. Within the producing industry (manufacturing and construction), most sub-indicators pointed to positive trends, particularly in stockpiling of intermediate goods, production barriers, and capacity utilization. However, sub-indicators for the general business situation and employment prospects faced pressure. In manufacturing, the wood, glass, stone, and earth segment, as well as food and beverage producers, saw setbacks, while the metal, paper and printing, and electrical industries showed a more favorable outlook.