Many of you may have heard the news recently that the Swiss economy is finally picking up pace. The national bank has already raised interest rates and looks likely to raise them again. Admitedly the rates were almost at zero, so the news isn't exactly exciting for your savings account just yet...
I think we all know that in the last 5-7 years the economy hasn't grown very much at all. We know that for many people salaries have gone backwards (especially in real terms), during a period when salaries have been rising faster in other countries.
Swissinfo recently ran
this story. A small quote:
| Quote: |  | |
| The Swiss economy will be buoyant in 2007 and is expected to head towards full employment according to the National Bank. Its president, Jean-Pierre Roth, said the bank would maintain its path of interest rate hikes to prevent the expanding economy from overheating although inflation remains under control. | |
| | |
Mind you, the growth estimates still aren't fantastic, but they do represent an improvement over the past years.
So my question to everyone here is this: Do you feel upbeat about the Swiss economy? Do you see any
real signs that we are headed for growth? Do you feel like you are going to see a salary increase anytime soon (if staying in the same job).
The national bank says that we are headed for "full employment" - many of you are unemployed - do you share their optimism?
I note also that the Swiss Franc, which usually tracks at around 1.55 to 1.56 to the euro is now at 1.61 - despite the interest rate rise which should theoretically have strengthened it, not weakened it.
So tell us about your personal feelings about the growth predictions...