Swiss leading indicator decreased less than expected in September

The KOF Economic Research Agency said that the Economic Barometer declines for the fourth time in a row in September. However, the Barometer remains above its long-​term average. The recovery of the Swiss economy in the wake of the pandemic is thus slowing somewhat but is likely to continue in the upcoming months.

The KOF Economic Barometer stands at 110.6 points in September, 2.9 points lower than in August. Economists had expected a decrease to 110.0. The recurring decline is primarily attributable to bundles of indicators concerning foreign demand. Indicators of the manufacturing sector send an additional negative signal, followed by indicators of the economic sector and other services. By contrast, indicators from the finance and insurance sector are providing slightly positive impulses.

The negative developments within the manufacturing sector stem largely from indicators concerning the metal industry, the paper and printing sectors, the mechanical engineering and vehicle manufacturing sector, followed by indicators for the textile industry.

In the goods producing sector (manufacturing and construction), indicators for assessing the order backlog point in a positive direction. By contrast, sub-​indicators assessing employment prospects, the competitive situation and production developments point in a negative direction, resulting in a negative balance for the indicators in the goods producing sector.