Economic recovery continues in Switzerland
Bern, 15.12.2016 - Economic forecasts by the Federal Government's Expert Group – Winter 2016/2017*. After displaying positive development over several quarters, Switzerland's GDP nearly stagnated in the third quarter of 2016. However, preliminary indicators now point to a renewed pick-up in growth, and the global economy is expected to continue generating momentum. The Expert Group therefore maintains its previous assessment and anticipates a GDP growth of 1.5% for full-year 2016. It expects to see a modest acceleration of GDP growth to 1.8% in 2017 and 1.9% in 2018, driven by both domestic demand and foreign trade. As the recovery continues, the unemployment rate will likely decline gradually from 3.3% (2016) to 3.2% (2017), and then to 3.1% (2018). The economic outlook thus remains positive, even if the "Swiss franc shock" will likely continue to have some impact on the economy.