Swiss Consumer Morale Least Negative in 6 Months

Switzerland's consumer confidence index rose to -33 in August 2026 from -40 in the same month a year earlier, pointing to an improvement in household confidence but remaining slightly below market expectations of -32. This marked the least negative reading since February, with the biggest improvement coming from the economic outlook, as the corresponding index rose to -36 from -66 in August last year. Meanwhile, sentiment around the past financial situation improved modestly to -39 from -40, while the financial outlook weakened slightly to -30 from -29. The index measuring whether it was a good time to make major purchases also declined to -26 from -24, suggesting households remained cautious about discretionary spending. The overall reading also improved from the previous month, when the index stood at -35.

Switzerland’s consumer confidence index fell to -35 in July 2026, down from -33 a year earlier and below market expectations of -34, signaling a continued deterioration in household sentiment. Consumers became more pessimistic about their past financial situation, with the corresponding index falling to -44 from -41, while expectations for their future financial position declined to -32 from -28. Sentiment toward making major purchases also weakened significantly, dropping to -55 from -51, suggesting that households remain cautious about discretionary spending. Meanwhile, perceptions of the broader economic outlook were broadly stable, edging down only slightly to -37 from -36 a year earlier. Despite the annual deterioration, confidence improved modestly from June, when the index stood at -36.

Switzerland’s consumer confidence index fell to -36 in June 2026 from -32 in the same month a year earlier, missing market expectations of -35. The decline was driven by deteriorating perceptions across all major components, particularly job security, with the corresponding sub-index dropping to -62.8 from -42.7 in June 2025. Consumers also turned more cautious about their future financial situation, as that indicator fell to -31.8 from -27.4, while expectations for the broader economy eased to -39.6 from -38.0. Meanwhile, assessments of past financial conditions deteriorated to -43.4 from -36.4, and the indicator measuring the willingness to make major purchases edged lower to -28.4 from -27.0. Overall, consumer sentiment remained firmly negative, highlighting persistent concerns over economic conditions, employment prospects, and household finances.