Key Takeaways
SNB may engage in prolonged monetary easing due to low inflation and strong Swiss franc
Inflation in Switzerland fell to 1.1% in August, below SNB’s target
Swiss franc’s real effective exchange rate at cyclical peak, impacting international competitiveness
Contributions to inflation from imported goods negative for over a year, putting pressure on exporters
SNB already reduced policy rate twice, more cuts expected below 1%
The Swiss Franc is becoming stronger 
The Swiss National Bank may need to consider easing monetary policy - Swiss economic data suggests a potential slowdown
Global economic uncertainties contribute to the Swiss Franc’s strength - SNB might need an aggressive interest rate cut to prevent franc from rising
- Franc at one-month high against euro, threatens 2024 peak against dollar
25 basis point SNB rate cut expected for Sept. 26, chance of 50 bps cut- SNB’s forex reserves fell in August as CHF rose against euro
Swiss National Bank Faces Challenges Amid Strong Swiss Franc
The Swiss National Bank (SNB) is currently navigating through challenges posed by a strong Swiss franc, low inflation rates, and global economic uncertainties. In August, inflation in Switzerland fell to 1.1%, below the SNB’s target, leading to considerations of prolonged monetary easing by the central bank. The Swiss franc’s real effective exchange rate is at a cyclical peak, impacting the country’s international competitiveness and putting pressure on exporters due to negative contributions to inflation from imported goods for over a year.
To counter the strengthening Swiss franc, the SNB has already reduced its policy rate twice, with expectations of further cuts below 1%. The franc has become stronger, reaching a one-month high against the euro and posing a threat to its peak against the dollar in 2024. There is a possibility of a 25 basis point rate cut by the SNB on September 26, with chances of a more aggressive 50 bps cut to prevent further appreciation of the currency.
Global economic uncertainties also play a role in the Swiss franc’s strength, with SNB’s forex reserves falling in August as the CHF rose against the euro. These challenges highlight the need for the SNB to carefully consider its monetary policy decisions to maintain stability and support the Swiss economy.