Swiss Franc Weakens as Dollar Gains on Fed Outlook
The Swiss franc weakened to 0.83 per USD as investors favored the greenback amid expectations that the Federal Reserve will maintain a tighter policy stance, while the Swiss National Bank is widely expected to keep rates unchanged. Although weaker-than-expected US jobs data reduced expectations of a Fed hike this month, markets still anticipate another increase in December and at least one more in early 2027. Meanwhile, economists expect the SNB to keep its policy rate at 0% over the coming years, despite markets pricing in up to three hikes next year. Swiss inflation rose to 1.0% in September, driven by higher energy costs and reaching the midpoint of the SNB’s target range. However, safe-haven demand for the franc, amid higher oil prices and French fiscal concerns, is expected to limit imported inflation and keep core inflation subdued. The franc also benefits from Switzerland’s current-account and budget surpluses, a credible central bank, and a highly liquid currency market.
83 per USD as investors favored the greenback amid expectations that the Federal Reserve will maintain a tighter policy stance, while the Swiss National Bank is widely expected to keep rates unchanged. Although weaker-than-expected US jobs data reduced expectations of a Fed hike this month, markets still anticipate another increase in December and at least one more in early 2027. Meanwhile, economists expect the SNB to keep its policy rate at 0% over the coming years, despite markets pricing in up to three hikes next year. 0% in September, driven by higher energy costs and reaching the midpoint of the SNB’s target range.
However, safe-haven demand for the franc, amid higher oil prices and French fiscal concerns, is expected to limit imported inflation and keep core inflation subdued. The franc also benefits from Switzerland’s current-account and budget surpluses, a credible central bank, and a highly liquid currency market.