The UBS consumption indicator stood at 1.38 points in June, pointing to subdued growth in consumption at the end of the second quarter. The May figure was revised downwards slightly to 1.32.

UBS's consumption indicator has been hit by weak growth in Swiss employment in recent quarters. Indeed, across the last five quarters, data suggests employment has all but stagnated. Since 2000, the annual growth in employment has been 1.1 percent. We expect employment growth rates to pick up during the course of the year, which should support consumption. Somewhat offsetting weak employment data, new car registrations rose 2.1 percent year-on-year in June. Additionally, most recent available data reveals that hotel overnight stays by Swiss nationals increased by 2.4 percent year-on-year. The mood also improved in the retail sector, although it started from a low base.