Despite the current tense economic situation, Swiss consumer sentiment remains positive. The Swiss spent more money in May than the previous year, particularly on restaurant visits and leisure activities, as shown by the latest figures released by PostFinance.
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Schweizer Bevölkerung bleibt trotz Krisen in Konsumlaune
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The consumption indicator rose by 1.6% year-on-year in May, according to a press release issued on Monday by the subsidiary of state-owned Swiss Post. This continues the positive trend from recent months. The indicator had already risen by more than 1% in each of the first four months of the year.
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Swiss consumer spending rises in March despite tariff uncertainties
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Global financial turmoil and uncertainties surrounding trade tariffs have not yet had an impact on consumer behaviour in Switzerland, where spending rose strongly in March.
The Swiss economy is currently going through a difficult phase, according to the statement. Its export industry in particular is suffering from the strong Swiss franc. But this is having little effect on the consumer behaviour of Swiss residents.
Private consumption is thus making an important contribution to stabilising the economy as a whole.
More spending on leisure and gastronomy
There is considerable spending on leisure activities and eating out. This is surprising, as these are often the first to be reduced in uncertain times, according to the report. Spending on “beauty & wellness” also increased slightly.
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Swiss economists lower growth forecast for 2026
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Experts believe that economic development in Switzerland will be weaker in 2026 than the forecasts made three months ago. They have also lowered their predictions for the current year.
Everyday expenditure was stable. Spending on food rose, while spending on items such as books and teaching materials fell slightly.
There was also a slight decline in travel spending in May. According to the report, this was due to a decline in bookings. Spending on hotel accommodation, on the other hand, increased.
PostFinance analyses the anonymised payment transactions of 2.4 million customers every month.
Translated from German with DeepL/sb
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