Pandemic takes a heavy toll on consumer confidence
Many Swiss are now doing their shopping online.
Keystone
Switzerland’s consumer confidence index plummeted to a “historically low” level in April, according to a Wednesday statement from the Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).
The index fell to -40 points, compared to -9 points in January, when the previous survey was conducted. That marks the lowest results since the early 1990s.
These results are provisional and are published exceptionally, SECO notedExternal link.
Household expectations regarding the development of the economic situation have deteriorated significantly since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. The corresponding sub-index plummeted to -84 points.
Respondents are also pessimistic about their own budgetary situation. The indicator relating to future financial situation also dropped to a historic low (-24 points).
Survey participants indicated that it is not the right time to make big acquisitions (-48 points).
“These responses reflect, on the one hand, the impact of the closure of many businesses in the context of the extraordinary situation and, on the other hand, the very great uncertainty that currently prevails”, the office stated.
More
More
Coronavirus: the situation in Switzerland
This content was published on
An overview of the latest Covid-related information in the Alpine nation.
Swiss researchers patent new device for avalanche detection
This content was published on
The WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research said it has granted a group of Swiss researchers a patent for a device to enhance avalanche warnings.
Berset discusses ECHR climate ruling implementation at Davos
This content was published on
Switzerland has submitted a report on the court's ruling in Strasbourg. Berset told Justice Minister Beat Jans that the Council of Europe is reviewing it.
This content was published on
A 27-year-old ski tourer has died in the hospital in Sion, in southwestern Switzerland, after being caught in an avalanche on Saturday.
Swiss health minister criticises Trump’s ‘rash’ WHO exit
This content was published on
Switzerland has expressed “deep” regret over Trump’s decision to withdraw from the WHO, Swiss Health Minister Elisabeth Baume-Schneider said in Davos.
This content was published on
Job vacancies in Switzerland fell by 10% in 2024, marking the first negative annual balance since the Covid-19 pandemic, says Adecco.
Swiss president meets Zelensky in Davos amid tensions with Europe
This content was published on
Swiss President met Zelensky at Davos. As Zelensky thanked Switzerland, Keller-Sutter said it's too early to discuss a new summit, awaiting Trump's actions.
Basel diocese files five claims of sexual abuse in Swiss Catholic Church
This content was published on
The diocese of Basel has received 141 reports of sexual abuse since the publication of a sweeping study on violations in the Catholic Church by the University of Zurich in 2023.
Swiss president calls for open markets and stable institutions in WEF speech
This content was published on
Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter was among speakers at the WEF in Davos to make the case for fair competition, a day after Donald Trump became the 47th president of the United States.
Swiss film in competition at the 75th Berlinale has a shot at Golden Bear
This content was published on
The feature film La Cache by Lausanne screenwriter and director Lionel Baier has a chance of winning the Silver or Golden Bear at the 75th Berlinale, festival organisers said on Tuesday.
Swiss politician who shot at image of Jesus resigns from Liberal Green Party
This content was published on
Sanija Ameti, who caused controversy after shooting at an image of Jesus and Mary last September, has resigned from the Liberal Green Party.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Ranking finds Swiss cities less expensive
This content was published on
Zurich and Geneva have slid down the rankings since last year. The full effect of the coronavirus crisis remains to be seen.
Interest groups present demands for coronavirus exit plans
This content was published on
Political parties, unions and other interest groups have published their proposals to relax restrictions introduced to stem the Covid-19 pandemic.
How far will companies go to save themselves in the coronavirus crisis?
This content was published on
Our analysis of what the biggest global companies in Switzerland are up to. This week: multinationals' survival strategies.
Swiss banks bow to pressure to delay half of dividend payments
This content was published on
UBS and Credit Suisse have asked shareholders to accept a delay of several months for half of their dividend payments this year.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.