Economic confidence slowly returns – more vigorous growth not before 2014
Bern, 18.3.2013 - Economic forecasts from the Federal Government’s Expert Group – Spring 2012/2013*. At the start of 2013 the Swiss economy is feeling the tailwind from the international financial markets and the signs of a pickup in the global economy. In view of the continuing stability in the domestic economy and brightening outlook for exports, the opportunities for increasing economic growth during the course of this and the next year are good. The Expert Group forecasts a still relatively moderate 1.3% rise in GDP for 2013, accelerating to 2.1% for 2014. However, despite the revival of confidence in the economy the risks are still present. In particular, a long-term resolution of the debt crisis in the Euro zone is a difficult task. The main challenge is, despite the deep economic crisis in the single currency countries of Southern Europe and the resultant risks to political stability, to maintain the social cohesion in these countries. The confidence which has returned to the financial markets needs to be boosted further still in order to create the basis for long-term growth in the Euro zone.