Switzerland

Switzerland is a European democracy with a population of over 7.5 million.  Local stocks are traded on the Swiss Stock Exchange (SIX) and are best represented by the SMI Index.  Switzerland is home to some of the world's top health care and financial companies.  Choosing to keep its neutrality, Switzerland is not part of the European Union and does not use the Euro.  The Swiss Franc (CHF) is not a widely used currency but it is a sound one and often considered a safe haven currency.  Global companies headquartered in Switzerland often report results in US dollars as well as CHF.

Published Material:    

-1.3%

GDP Annual
(Q3 YoY Change)

0.25%

Interest Rate
(SNB on 12 March 2009)

4.1%

Unemployment Rate