IMF Staff Country Reports

Switzerland: 2021 Article IV consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; Staff Statement; and Statement by the Executive Director for Switzerland

June 21, 2021

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Switzerland: 2021 Article IV consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; Staff Statement; and Statement by the Executive Director for Switzerland, (USA: International Monetary Fund, 2021) accessed December 13, 2024

Summary

Switzerland has navigated the COVID-19 pandemic well. The pandemic has had major social and economic impacts, but an early, strong, and sustained health and economic policy response helped contain the contraction of activity. Coordinated efforts targeting households and firms stemmed a loss of purchasing power and a rise of unemployment and bankruptcies. Recovery has commenced, but uncertainty and risks remain high, dominated by pandemic dynamics. The rebound should deepen, as vaccination proceeds, containment is eased, and domestic and global demand picks up. Fiscal support has been rightly extended in 2021, and monetary policy remains accommodative. Policies should remain supportive until there are clear signs of sustained recovery; the authorities should expand support if needed. Redirection to fostering green, digital transformation with attention to low-income earners will be needed, including to ensure that prolonged emergency support does not hinder structural changes in the economy.

Subject: COVID-19, Expenditure, Health, Income, Inflation, International organization, Monetary policy, National accounts, Negative interest rates, Pension spending, Prices

Keywords: Annual report of the Swiss Federal Audit Office, Citizens' Rights Directive, COVID-19, EU law, Global, Income, Inflation, Negative interest rates, Pension spending, Policy mix, Staff appraisal

Publication Details

  • Pages:

    69

  • Volume:

    ---

  • DOI:

    ---

  • Issue:

    ---

  • Series:

    Country Report No. 2021/130

  • Stock No:

    1CHEEA2021001

  • ISBN:

    9781513585604

  • ISSN:

    1934-7685