The global economy took a deep dive during the lock-down months and the Swiss economy wasn’t going to be different. They did have lighter measures, both within and traveling outside of the country, according to some of my mates who live there. But, that wasn’t enough to keep the economy afloat. Today’s GDP report showed that, as the economy contracted by 8.2%, which is the largest contraction ever, although the SNB is hoping for an expansion inQ3.

Q2 Swiss GDP Report by the Federal Statistics Office – 27 August 2020

This just reaffirms the biggest quarterly contraction on record in the Swiss economy, which is reflective of global economic conditions in general during Q2. The recovery trajectory is still questionable, with price pressures a key concern for the SNB at this stage.

Comments by BOJ Member Hitoshi Suzuki

• BOJ will ease monetary policy further without hesitation if needed
• Economy, price moves haven’t deviated much from BOJ’s July outlook
• Lowering rates further, buying more ETFs among options to ease further
• But BOJ may need to come up with new ideas on further easing
• BOJ easing policies are not to finance government debt
• Does not see need to change 2% price target for now