30.04.202607:29:40UTC+00Swiss KOF Barometer Rises in April

Switzerland’s KOF Economic Barometer rose to 97.9 in April 2026, recovering from a nine-month low of 95.6 in March and beating market expectations of 95.9. The improvement was primarily supported by stronger activity in manufacturing, other services, and private consumption, while the hospitality sector lost momentum. Indicator bundles for foreign demand, financial and insurance services, and construction remained largely stable. Within the producing sector (manufacturing and construction), most sub-indicators signaled positive trends, especially in the stockpiling of intermediate goods, production constraints, and capacity utilization. By contrast, sub-indicators for the general business situation and employment prospects came under pressure. In manufacturing, the wood, glass, stone, and earth industries, as well as food and beverage producers, registered setbacks, whereas the metal, paper and printing, and electrical industries reported a more favorable outlook.