Swiss consumer sentiment index rose sharply in July

According to the SECO survey, the general consumer sentiment of Swiss households has improved once again, with more people now expecting a general upswing in the economy and a fall in unemployment.

In July 2021 the consumer sentiment index climbed to 8 points, well above its long-term average of −5 points and its highest level since July 2010. Expectations of general economic growth in particular contributed to the strong improvement in consumer sentiment, the sub-index climbing to its highest value (48 points) since the survey began in 1972. There are also stronger expectations of an improvement in unemployment figures, with the index (29 points) now slightly below the pre-crisis level. The positive economic development should also benefit household budgets: the sub-index on the expected financial situation (3 points) is now above the long-term average again for the first time in over six years. However, there is little improvement in people’s perception of the current situation. Despite a noticeable rise in the index for job security, this remains well below its long-term average, and the assessment of the financial situation of recent months remains below average. At the same time, price developments are weighing on household budgets. In the wake of rising inflation rates, households perceive a rise in both past and future price developments.