On 4 August 2015 the Swiss Federal Office of Statistics (OFS) published the most popular baby names in 2014. Last year saw the arrival of 85,287 newborns in Switzerland. 41,437 girls and 43,850 boys. The choice of names varied depending on the regional language, however in 2014 there was a name that made the top […]
Swiss real estate bubble index rises significantly
The UBS Swiss Real Estate Bubble Index rose significantly in the second quarter of 2015 and now stands at 1.37 index points. The report says that the housing market is still caught up in an investment property boom. House prices and private household mortgages went up disproportionately relative to Switzerland’s weak economy. The Index rose […]
50 billion loss for the Swiss National Bank
The Swiss National Bank (SNB) reported a CHF 50.1 billion loss for the first half of 2015. The loss is largely driven by changes in the Swiss franc value of the assets it owns. The rise in the value of the Swiss franc following the dropping of the euro cap in January 2015 means foreign […]
Revolution in the UDC? A Happy Valley Exclusive!
The August 1 Swiss national holiday is almost here. It’s a day awaited with bated breath by your loyal Happy Valley Correspondent. Why? Well, first of all there are fireworks. Many fireworks. Fireworks which even in the tiniest of bleds often rival those of an Olympic closing ceremony. And Happy Valley is no exception. Second, […]
Swiss ‘steal’ French water
This week pictures of a Swiss army helicopter scooping water out of a French lake in the Jura region of France flew around world media. The water was used to quench the thirst of Swiss cows after a long heatwave which depleted local water supplies. The Swiss army’s actions surprised bathers and drew criticism from […]
THE SECRETS OF SUCCESS IN COACHING (6): Dealing with a massive business crisis
Sponsored by Centre for Coaching (Switzerland) Janine Everson, Director of the Centre for Coaching, explores in this sixth interview of a seven part series on The Secrets of Success in Coaching: “Dealing with a massive business crisis”. In this example of exceptionally powerful coaching, Janine explores the case of dealing with a massive business crisis. Often in […]
Geneva Uber ban rejected
The Uber saga continues in Geneva. According to 24 Heures, registered Geneva taxi drivers called for a provisional ban on Uber and took their plea to the Federal Tribunal in Bern. They argued that Uber is engaging in unfair competition. The Tribunal however rejected their plea. Private drivers typically offer cheaper journeys than traditional taxis. […]
Vaud fireworks ban sparks anger
20 Minutes. Ahead of the 1st of August celebrations of Swiss national day, fireworks have been banned in the canton of Vaud unless set off from the lake by professionals at least 300 metres from the shore. Those working in the industry are angry and think the ban goes too far. Some Vaud fire fighters […]
Swiss corporate tax reform – patent boxes no panacea
Tages Anzeiger. The European Union (EU) doesn’t like the special tax deals that are offered to companies to entice them to set up in Switzerland. So the Swiss government is working hard to find a replacement. One element of their new plan is to offer patent boxes. A recent study by economists from BAK in […]
Bleak Swiss economic sentiment
A recent survey of Swiss finance bosses by the business services firm Deloitte shows bleak economic sentiment. 41% said they were pessimistic and around a quarter expect Switzerland to face a recession over the next two years. A majority foresee pressure on operating margins and cuts in discretionary spending, capital expenditure and staff numbers. Pessimism […]
