The Swiss National Bank (SNB) cut interest rates by 25 basis points to 0.0% at its meeting moments ago this morning, Thursday, June 19, as expected. This is the sixth consecutive cut, having begun in March of last year from 1.75%.
The bank’s interest rate statement stated that inflationary pressures have eased, with inflation declining since the last monetary policy review, from 0.3% in February to -0.1% in May. This decline was largely due to increases in tourism and petroleum product prices.
The bank expects the Swiss economy to grow by 1% to 1.5% this year, and unemployment is expected to continue rising slightly. However, the economic outlook for Switzerland remains uncertain, and external developments pose risks.
The bank will continue to monitor the situation closely and adjust its monetary policy as necessary to ensure that inflation remains within the range consistent with price stability over the medium term.