Expensive watch exports are being hit by the strong franc and wider concerns about the geopolitical situation.
Monthly exports are up slightly – 3.1% at CHF 1.9bn. But that could be considered flat once inflation is taken into account. The number of physical pieces being sold is down.
In comparison, this time last year, sales were up nearly 12%.
Analysts say it shows a slow start to the year.
But it may just be a return to normality after 2023 was a record year for sales at over CHF 26bn.
Legal uncertainty stops homeless clear-up
Legal uncertainty is preventing authorities from clearing camps built by the homeless in Geneva.
Homicide charges dropped due to sleep incident
Swiss prosecutors have dismissed a rare homicide case involving an 87-year-old former family doctor who killed his partner while asleep in September 2024.
Bern joins Russian EU sanctions
Switzerland will prohibit the purchase and import of Russian liquefied natural gas from April.
First Geneva road death of 2026
Geneva has recorded its first fatal traffic accident of the year.
Demos against Uni cuts
Students and staff in Geneva are mobilising against planned cuts to higher education.
WEF quits following Epstein links
The president of the World Economic Forum, Børge Brende, has resigned following an internal probe into his past contacts with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
