The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) released its gross domestic product (GDP) data for Switzerland on Friday. Switzerland's GDP decreased 0.2% in the first quarter, missing expectations for a 0.1% fall, after a 0.5% gain in the fourth quarter. It was the fastest pace since the first quarter of 2009.

The fourth quarter's figure was revised down from a 0.6% gain.

The increase was driven by lower exports as the Swiss franc strengthen after the Swiss National Bank (SNB) removed its currency cap.

Exports of goods dropped 6.1% in the first quarter, driven by declines in all sectors.

Imports of goods rose 1.7% in the first quarter, driven by strong vehicle demand.

Household spending climbed to 0.5% in the first quarter, government spending was up 0.1%, equipment and software spending rose 0.5%, while construction spending increased 0.3%.

On a yearly basis, Switzerland's economy grew at 1.1% in the fourth quarter, missing expectations for a 1.5% rise, after a 1.9% increase in the fourth quarter.