The KOF Economic Barometer increases in February. After slightly decreasing in January, it now continues its upward movements of the previous months and remains above its medium-term average. The positive outlook for the Swiss economy is reinforced.
In February, the KOF Economic Barometer rises by 0.9 points to a level of 104.2 (after revised 103.3 in the previous month). The positive developments are reflected in the demand side indicator bundles which are included in the Barometer. Both the indicator bundles for consumption as well as for foreign demand show a favourable outlook. The developments among the production side indicator bundles are mixed. In particular, the indicator bundle for manufacturing is experiencing a setback.
Within the producing industry (manufacturing and construction), the sub-indicators for stockpiling of intermediate goods as well as for the general business situation are particularly under pressure. These negative developments are, inter alia, cushioned by a more favourable outlook for the sub-indicators for employment prospects and for exports.
The majority of the sub-indicators within manufacturing show dampened developments. Particularly the sub-indicators for the metal industry and for paper and printing products are experiencing a setback. A more favourable outlook is exhibited by the sub-indicators for the electrical industry as well as for the textile industry.