The economic barometer stands at 90.2 points in May, 5.9 points lower than in April (revised from 96.4 to 96.1 points). The comparatively strong downward movement of the barometer is primarily driven by bundles of indicators from the manufacturing sector as well as by indicators covering financial and insurance services. Indicators covering the economic sector other services and foreign demand are also sending a negative signal. By contrast, indicators covering private consumption are slightly positive. In the goods producing sector (manufacturing and construction), the picture is predominantly negative. The ... (full story)

The outlook for the Swiss economy dims in May amid growing concerns about the global economic outlook in general. But if inflation pressures start to abate in the European region, that could spur a turnaround in sentiment ahead of the summer. (full story)