According to the report from SECO, consumer sentiment in Switzerland has largely been stagnating since the summer. All sub-indices used for the calculation are still below their long-term average and none have improved significantly compared to this summer’s survey. Economic development and the situation on the labour market are seen as unfavourable.

As of October, the consumer sentiment index stands at –13 points, almost at the same level as in July (–12 points). The sentiment remains gloomy, coming in well below the long-term average of –5 points.

Expectations regarding general economic development have made little improvement compared to July, with the relevant sub-index standing at –14 points, indicating below-average momentum in the economy. Consumers were noticeably more negative in their rating of economic development in the last twelve months (–94 points) than in the previous survey.

The situation on the labour market is assessed as very unfavourable. The index on expected unemployment (112 points) remains close to the historic level reached during the financial and economic crisis. Job security (–122 points) has also received a worse assessment than in the previous survey for the third time in a row.