Switzerland: Consumer prices fall at a softer rate on an annual basis in January
Consumer prices increased 0.06% over the previous month in January, contrasting December’s 0.10% drop. January’s reading marked the sharpest increase in prices since March 2020. Looking at the details of the release, transportation prices rose at a quicker pace in January compared to the previous month, while price pressures for healthcare also increased.
Consumer prices declined 0.5% year-on-year in January, a less pronounced drop compared to December’s 0.8% decrease. Meanwhile, the trend pointed down mildly, with the annual average variation of consumer prices coming in at minus 0.8% in January (December: -0.7%).
Ongoing deflation will ensure the Swiss National Bank maintains its extremely expansionary monetary policy.