Switzerland CHF

Switzerland ZEW Economic Sentiment Index

Impact:
Low
Source: Credit Suisse & CFA Society Switzerland

Latest Release:

Date:
Surprise:
-2.7
Actual:
12.9
Forecast: 15.6
Previous/Revision:
8.9
Period: Dec
What Does It Measure?
The Switzerland ZEW Economic Sentiment Index measures the economic outlook among financial market experts regarding the Swiss economy over the next six months. It primarily assesses expectations related to economic growth, inflation, and other economic indicators, making it a national indicator that can signal potential changes in the economic environment.
Frequency
The index is released monthly, typically on the second Tuesday of each month, and data is reported as a preliminary figure subject to further refinement.
Why Do Traders Care?
Traders closely monitor the ZEW Economic Sentiment Index as it reflects the confidence of financial experts in the Swiss economy, impacting asset prices such as the Swiss franc (CHF) and Swiss equities. Positive sentiment typically boosts the value of the CHF and stocks, while negative sentiment can lead to bearish moves in these markets, making it a significant component in economic forecasting and market decision-making.
What Is It Derived From?
The index is derived from a survey conducted among approximately 300 financial market experts, who provide their expectations for the Swiss economy's performance. The responses are aggregated into a diffusion index using a weighting method to reflect the degree of optimism or pessimism, focusing on the net balance of positive versus negative assessments.
Description
The ZEW Economic Sentiment Index serves as a leading economic indicator, providing insights into future economic activity based on the perceptions of key market participants. While preliminary estimates can prompt quick market reactions due to their timeliness, the final data provides a more accurate depiction of sentiment but is released later, potentially leading to adjustments in market trends.
Additional Notes
This index is often compared with similar sentiment indicators and can serve as a predictor for future economic performance in Switzerland. Being a leading measure, it may align with or diverge from trends indicated by other macroeconomic variables, and its movements might resonate with global economic sentiment patterns.

Legend

High Potential Impact
This event has a strong potential to move markets significantly. If the 'Actual' value differs enough from the forecast or if the 'Previous' value is significantly revised, it signals new information that markets may rapidly adjust to.

Medium Potential Impact
This event may cause moderate market movement, especially if the 'Actual' deviates from the forecast or there's a notable revision to the 'Previous' value.

Low Potential Impact
This event is unlikely to affect market pricing unless there's an unexpected surprise or a major revision to prior data.

Surprise - Currency May Strengthen
Actual deviated from Forecast on a medium or high impact event and historically could strengthen the currency.

Surprise - Currency May Weaken
Actual deviated from Forcast on a medium or high impact event and historically could weaken the currency.

Big Surprise - Currency More Likely To Strengthen
'Actual' deviated from 'Forecast' more than 75% of historical deviations on a medium or high impact event and may likely strengthen the currency.

Big Surprise - Currency More Likely To Weaken
'Actual' deviated from 'Forecast' more than 75% of historical deviations on a medium or high impact event and may likely weaken the currency

Green Number Better than forecast for the currency (or previous revise better)
Red Number Worse than forecast for the currency (or previous revise better)
Hawkish Supports higher interest rates to fight inflation, strengthening the currency but weighing on stocks.
Dovish Favors lower rates to boost growth, weakening the currency but lifting stocks.
Date Time Actual Forecast Previous Surprise
Dec 14, 2016
12.9
 15.6
8.9
 -2.7
Nov 16, 2016
8.9
 11.4
5.2
 -2.5
Oct 12, 2016
5.2
 12.2
2.7
 -7
Sep 14, 2016
2.7
 5.1
-2.8
 -2.4
Aug 17, 2016
-2.8
 7.4
5.9
 -10.2
Jul 20, 2016
5.9
 15.1
19.4
 -9.2
Jun 22, 2016
19.4
 16
17.5
 3.4
May 25, 2016
17.5
 8.16
11.5
 9.34
Apr 20, 2016
11.5
 2.5
2.5
 9
Mar 23, 2016
2.5
 -11.76
-5.9
 14.26
Feb 17, 2016
-5.9
 0.16
-3
 -6.06
Jan 20, 2016
-3
 17.8
16.6
 -20.8
Dec 16, 2015
16.6
 0.42
0
 16.18
Nov 18, 2015
0
 15.58
18.3
 -15.58
Oct 14, 2015
18.3
 8.08
9.7
 10.22
Sep 16, 2015
9.7
 5
5.9
 4.7
Aug 12, 2015
5.9
 -8.07
-5.4
 13.97
Jul 15, 2015
-5.4
 0.8
0.1
 -6.2
Jun 17, 2015
0.1
 -0.5
-0.1
 0.6
May 20, 2015
-0.1
 -17.8
-23.2
 17.7