In Switzerland, almost 1.7 million people were aged 65 or older at the end of 2021, a figure that makes up 19% of the population, according to data published on 28 August 2022. In 2021, one woman in five and one man in six was aged over 64, according to the Federal Statistical Office (FSO). […]
Winter electricity cuts feared, says head of Swiss commission
Electricity cuts lasting several hours are predicted this winter in Switzerland, according to Laurianne Altwegg, vice president of the Federal Electricity Commission. This winter we should ensure we have enough candles and wood for a wood stove for those who have one, advised Altwegg in an interview with RTS. Outages may not occur, but it […]
Covid and Ukraine aid push Switzerland’s deficit deeper into the red in 2022
On 17 August 2022, Switzerland’s government announced a new net spending estimate for 2022 showing a deficit of CHF 5 billion, more than double the budget deficit of CHF 2.3 billion announced in December 2021. The two main drivers of the higher estimated loss for 2022 are higher spending related to the Covid-19 pandemic (+3.2 […]
Swiss health premiums set for sharp rise in 2023
Swiss health insurance premiums are set to rise sharply in 2023, according to a new study. Price rises could reach close to 10% in some cantons. On average premiums across the country are expected to jump at least 5.4%, according to a study published by Accenture, reported RTS. One of the reasons behind the rises […]
Swiss inflation remains stable in July 2022
Figures published by Switzerland’s Federal Statistical Office (FSO) on 3 August 2022 show annual inflation running at 3.4% in July, the same rate as June. Switzerland’s consumer price index (CPI) remained stable in July 2022 compared with the previous month, and 3.4% higher compared with the same month of the previous year, said FSO. Over […]
No money likely from Swiss National Bank after large loss
Like most central banks the Swiss National Bank (SNB) is tasked with monetary stability. However, in the process it can inadvertently generate large profits and losses. When monetary policy is expansionist and the resulting assets held by the SNB rise in value it can generate large profits as it has over the last few years. […]
Men continue to dominate the leadership of state companies in Switzerland
An article published by RTS presents data that shows men outnumber women among the leaders of 20 of Switzerland’s 26 largest state affiliated companies. Like in much of the developed world politicians in Switzerland are pushing to get more women into top spots. Switzerland’s Federal Council has said it aims to have 40% of leadership […]
Financial health of Swiss pension funds deteriorates in 2022
A recent report by the government that collected data from a sample of Swiss pension funds shows a significant deterioration in the financial health of Switzerland’s 2nd pillar pension funds over the first half of 2022. Inflation, higher interest rates and falling stock markets have hit the fortunes of the funds. By the end of […]
Swiss rush to buy wood as gas crisis looms
Despite the current heatwave residents of Switzerland have not forgotten about how they might heat themselves over winter. With gas shortages looming and persistently high heating oil and gas prices, some are stockpiling wood. Increased demand for wood is pushing prices higher. Wood prices have already risen 10%, according to RTS. Some vendors have never […]
The online retail fraud made possible by Swiss billing system
In Switzerland it is possible to order goods online without paying up front. Retailers will send orders with a payment slip included with the goods. Fraudsters are exploiting this quirk of Swiss postal retail. Fraudsters order goods online pretending to be someone else. The goods are then shipped without the need to provide any payment […]
