Not since 2017 have people in Switzerland been this gloomy about the New Year. A quarter of respondents to an annual survey on personal finance expect things to get worse in 2023, with the main reason being rising health insurance premiums.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Keystone-SDA/ts
Español
es
Pesimismo entre la población suiza sobre su futuro financiero
Overall, 27.5% expect their financial situation to deteriorate in the coming year, according to a representative survey by comparis.ch published on Tuesday.
The lower the income, the darker the outlook. For people with a gross monthly household income of up to CHF4,000 ($4,300), 41.8% expect things to get worse. For those with a gross income of CHF4,000-CHF8,000 the figure is 28.1%, and for those with an income of over CHF8,000, 21%.
Half (49%) of the low-wage group say they will have to count every franc and cut back heavily to pay all their bills. Among those with higher incomes, the figure is 27.2% (CHF4,000-CHF8,000) and 6.3% (over CHF8,000).
The main reason for the pessimistic financial outlook, according to 75.5% of respondents, is the sharp rise in health insurance premiums (2022: 37.1%). In second place (38.1%) was the rising cost of rent or mortgages (2022: 14.8%). Another 14.9% fear that their investments will lose value (2022: 10.1%).
More
More
Health insurance premiums to take biggest jump in a decade
This content was published on
The cost of compulsory health insurance in Switzerland is to increase by an average of 6.6% in 2023.
Even the non-pessimistic respondents are feeling the pinch of inflation: 71.2% say they are feeling inflation strongly to very strongly in their household budget, with it being most evident in the price of energy for heating.
Inflation meant 52.6% of those surveyed say they plan to save more and spend less. Over half (50.9%) say they will forgo major purchases such as furniture or cars.
The representative survey was conducted by the market research institute Innofact on behalf of comparis.ch in December among 1,047 people in all regions of Switzerland.
More
More
Inflation continues to bite in Switzerland
This content was published on
The cost of Swiss goods and services rose 3.5% in August compared to the same month last year, but inflation rate remains below that of many other countries.
Train vs plane: would you take a direct train between London and Geneva?
Eurostar is planning to run direct trains from Britain to Germany and Switzerland from the early 2030s. Would you favour the train over the plane? If not, why not?
Zurich laboratory finds intestinal bacteria in coffee machines
This content was published on
Last year, the Zurich Cantonal Laboratory found defects in one in four samples of milk drinks from coffee machines. Too many intestinal bacteria were found in a number of samples.
SWISS Belgrade-Zurich flight forced to land in Germany
This content was published on
Swiss flight LX1413 from Belgrade to Zurich had to make an unscheduled landing today in Friedrichshafen, southern Germany.
New Swiss 3D simulation tool offers better landslide forecasting
This content was published on
A new 3D simulation tool is enabling much more accurate avalanche forecasts. The model, which proved its worth during the landslides in Brienz (GR) and Blatten (VS), could lead to more effective management of alpine risks.
Alleged leader of Kosovar terrorist group indicted in Switzerland
This content was published on
The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland has brought charges against a Kosovar on suspicion of being the leader of the Swiss branch of a Kosovar terrorist organisation. He is also suspected of having been active in the management of the organisation in Kosovo.
Swiss glacier lake drains without causing flooding damage
This content was published on
The Faverges glacial lake on the Plaine Morte above Lenk in the Bernese Oberland drained over the weekend. There was no flooding or damage, the authorities announced on Monday.
Chihuahua leads Swiss rescue team to owner stuck in a crevasse
This content was published on
A Chihuahua helped to rescue a man on the Fee Glacier above Saas-Fee VS on Friday. It alerted a rescue team to its owner who had fallen into a crevasse.
Swiss bosses distance themselves from the United States
This content was published on
According to a survey of managers, Swiss companies are increasingly turning away from the USA and orientating themselves more towards Southeast Asia and the EU. This is the result of a recent survey.
This content was published on
The Fête de l'Epouvantail (scarecrow festival) is celebrating its 30th anniversary and returns to Denens in canton Vaud for its seventh edition from July 10-20.
This content was published on
Healthcare costs, the pension system and climate change are the top three burning issues for the Swiss, according to a survey.
This content was published on
Following reader suggestions, we find out if most people calling Switzerland home can afford diamond rings and fur coats or are just making ends meet.
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.