In February, the KOF Economic Barometer decreases slightly after having risen three times in a row. On the back of these previous increases, the Barometer remains above average. Despite the slight cooling, the rather positive economic signals in Switzerland remain intact.
The KOF Economic Barometer falls by 0.9 points to 101.6 in February (from a revised 102.5 in January). The outlook for manufacturing and the construction sectors brightened. On the other hand, the outlook for financial and insurance services, hospitality, other services and foreign demand in general worsened. The outlook for private consumption in Switzerland is stable.
In the producing sector (manufacturing and construction), indicators such as stocks of finished products, order books and the number of persons employed developed positively. The only indicators developing negatively were those for intermediate goods and, to a lesser extent, for profits.
Within the manufacturing, the wood, glass, stone and earth industry, the metal industry and, to a lesser extent, machinery and equipment manufacturing stood out positively in February. On the other hand, the paper and printing industry, food and beverages producers and also the electrical industry are likely to develop weaker.
