Retail trade Postfinance consumption indicator rises in February
Consumer spending in Switzerland continued to increase significantly in February. The increased economic uncertainties have not yet been reflected in the spending mood of the Swiss.
14.03.2025, 10:58
SDA
Consumer spending rose by 1.1% in February compared to the same period last year, according to the Postfinance consumption indicator published on Friday. There had already been a significant increase of 1.2 percent in January.
The economic uncertainties triggered by the US trade and customs policy have not yet had a noticeable impact on spending behavior in this country, the authors of the study write.
Every month, Postfinance anonymously evaluates the payment transactions of its 2.4 million customers. The consumption indicator calculated from this shows consumer spending adjusted for the effects of sales days and public holidays in a year-on-year comparison or on a seasonally adjusted basis compared to the previous month.
Travel and leisure spending remains high
The willingness to spend on leisure and travel in particular remained high, according to the report. The Swiss population travels a lot. Only hotel overnight stays declined slightly.
Leisure spending also continued to rise from an already high level. There was an increase in visits to Swiss restaurants as well as purchases of computer and electronic goods.
The "Beauty & Wellness" sub-indicator recorded a slight increase, as spending on clothing in particular rose. By contrast, spending on daily necessities remained stable. A decline in knowledge articles such as books and teaching materials was offset by higher spending in department stores.
