Published on 7 February 2013

Consumer Sentiment Improves

Bern, 7.2.2013 - The consumer confidence survey conducted by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs shows that consumer sentiment improved noticeably in January 2013 for the first time in three quarters. The consumer confidence index* had remained slightly below its historic average in the two previous surveys (July and October 2012) but rose in January 2013 to -6 points (slightly higher than the historic average). Improved expectations of future economic trends and savings opportunities were major contributory factors to this higher confidence. Only expectations of the labour market development remain relatively subdued.