In September, the KOF Economic Barometer increases. After a decrease in the previous month, it moves upwards but remains below its medium-term average. The outlook for the Swiss economy continues to be subdued.
The KOF Economic Barometer increases in September by 1.8 points to a level of 98.0 (after revised 96.2 in the previous month). Within the production-side indicator bundles included in the Barometer, the indicators for manufacturing and for financial and insurance services point to an improved outlook in particular. However, nn the demand-side the indicators for foreign demand weaken while the prospects for private consumption remain unaltered.
Among the sub-indicators for the different aspects of business activity within the producing industry (manufacturing and construction), the indicators for exports and for the general business situation show particularly positive developments. The indicators for stocks of finished products as well as for production activity are, however, slightly under pressure.
Within manufacturing, positive developments are particularly exhibited by the sub-indicators for the wood, glass, stone and earth segment, for paper and printing products, and for the electrical industry. However, the sub-indicators for the chemical and pharmaceutical industry as well as for machinery and equipment manufacturing experience a setback.
Note:
Due to the publication of the revised national accounts at the end of September, the yearly update of the KOF Economic Barometer will be done in October. In previous years, KOF has published the yearly update in September.