FX.co ★ Swiss Economy Expands at Fastest Pace in Nearly Five Years

Switzerland’s economy expanded by 1.5% in the second quarter of 2026, up from 0.5% in the previous quarter and in line with preliminary estimates. This marked the strongest quarterly growth since the third quarter of 2021, largely driven by a 10.5% surge in the chemical and pharmaceutical sector as exports and sales rebounded. Overall goods exports increased by 5.5%, while the wider manufacturing sector grew by 0.7%. Service-sector output rose 0.7%, supported by transport (+1.9%), communications (+1.1%) and financial services (+1.9%), with services exports advancing 1.6%. Domestic demand also strengthened, rising 0.5% after a soft start to the year. Private consumption grew 0.3%, underpinned by higher spending on healthcare, food, restaurants and accommodation, while government consumption (+0.4%) and investment also made positive contributions to growth.