Swiss economy performing well in a difficult and risky environment - outlook subject to significant risks
Bern, 12.6.2012 - Economic forecasts from the Federal Government’s Expert Group – summer 2012*. Thanks to robust domestic economic activity and a relatively resistant export industry, the Swiss economy is performing better than had been anticipated in view of the strong Swiss franc and an economic recession in many EU countries. However, for various sectors and many export companies the situation remains tight, with strong downwards pressure on margins. Thanks to the good economic performance over the second half of the year the Federal Government’s Expert Group is raising its growth forecast for 2012 from the previous 0.8% to the new figure of 1.4%. This adjustment cannot detract from the fact that the economic environment in Europe has recently deteriorated further. With growth in GDP of 1.5% for 2013 (1,8% were forecasted in March), the economic dynamic is expected to remain relatively weak. Preventing an escalation of the sovereign debt crisis in the Euro region is the key prerequisite for a continuation of the positive economic development.