Swiss KOF Barometer Rises in September to Signal Continued 'Favorable' Economic Outlook

04:46 AM EDT, 09/29/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Switzerland's economic outlook remains "favorable" in September, underpinned by a 1.6-point increase in the KOF Swiss Economic Institute's economic barometer for September. According to data released Tuesday, the economic barometer climbed to 109.1 points, up from August's revised 107.5 reading and topping analyst expectations of 106 points. "After its consecutive increases over the previous months, it continues to stay above its medium-term average," KOF said. "Particularly positive" developments across the barometer's indicator bundles were seen in manufacturing, services and construction. Across manufacturing and construction, most activity metrics improved, led by upbeat outlooks for exports, intermediate inventory stockpiling, and general business conditions. Except for a slowdown in machinery and equipment, the majority of manufacturing sub-indicators trended higher, with "particularly" favorable developments in chemicals, pharmaceuticals, paper, printing and textiles. Conversely, indicators for foreign demand and financial and insurance services showed a "slightly weakened outlook," while employment prospects in the producing industry are "under pressure."