ZEW-CS Financial Market Test Switzerland - Economic Expectations Decrease for the Third Consecutive Month

In March 2014 economic expectations for Switzerland have decreased by 9.7 points reaching a level of 19.0 points. This is the third decline of the ZEW-CS Indicator in a row. Thereby, Economic expectations for Switzerland have lost more than 17 points in the first quarter of 2014. The ZEW-CS Indicator reflects the expectations of the surveyed financial market experts regarding the economic development in Switzerland on a six-month time horizon. It is calculated monthly by the Centre for European Economic Research (ZEW) in cooperation with Credit Suisse (CS).

In March the current economic situation in Switzerland is assessed only slightly worse compared to February. The respective indicator has declined by 4.7 points to the 42.9 points-mark.

The Crimean Conflict and the current tensions with Russia potentially influence analysts' stock market expectations: The performance of the Swiss Market Index (SMI) is assessed significantly more pessimistic compared to last month’s survey. The respective indicator fell by 11.2 points to 32.5 points. Likewise, expectations for the European stock markets have lost ground. The assessment of the development of the EURO STOXX 50 has dropped by 8.4 points to the 37.9 points reading.

For further information please contact

Lena Jaroszek (ZEW), Telefon +49 (0) 621/1235-380, E-Mail jaroszek@zew.de

Lukas Gehrig (Credit Suisse), Telefon +41 44 333 52 07, E-Mail lukas.gehrig@credit-suisse.com