Swiss Franc & Central Bank Decisions

Dated events

1. Aug. 3, 2011 · SNB cuts rates and floods market with francs amid euro debt fears
   The Swiss National Bank announced emergency measures to weaken the franc, which had been surging as people moved money into Switzerland during Europe's government debt crisis. Swiss companies that sell products abroad were being hurt because their goods became more expensive for foreign buyers, and banks with international business faced shrinking profits. The franc kept strengthening despite these efforts, eventually pushing the SNB to set a price floor weeks later.
2. Sept. 6, 2011 · SNB sets minimum EUR/CHF exchange rate at 1.20
   The Swiss National Bank announced it would not allow the euro to fall below 1.20 francs, promising to buy unlimited amounts of foreign currency to enforce this floor. Investors had been pouring money into Switzerland because they feared European governments might not be able to pay their debts, and the super-strong franc was crushing Swiss exporters like watchmakers and machinery firms. The floor held for over three years, giving Swiss businesses some relief.
3. Jan. 15, 2015 · SNB shocks markets by removing the EUR/CHF 1.20 floor
   Without warning, the Swiss National Bank abandoned its three-year promise to keep the franc from getting too strong against the euro. Swiss exporters and banks were suddenly facing a much stronger currency that made their products and services far more expensive for foreign customers, and Swiss shares had their worst day in about 25 years, with even global giants like Nestlé, which sells mostly abroad, falling sharply. Several foreign-exchange brokers went bankrupt within days because the sudden price jump was so extreme and unexpected.
4. Aug. 5, 2019 · Franc hits strongest level vs euro since 2017 as US-China trade war escalates
   After the United States and China sharply escalated their trade dispute, worried investors moved large amounts of money into Swiss francs, seen as one of the world's safest currencies. Swiss companies selling goods overseas, especially industrial and luxury firms, faced growing pressure because a stronger franc made their products pricier abroad. The SNB was widely believed to be intervening quietly to slow the franc's rise in the weeks that followed.
5. June 16, 2022 · SNB unexpectedly raises policy rate by 0.5 points, its first hike since 2007
   The Swiss National Bank unexpectedly raised its key interest rate by 0.50 percentage points, its first increase since 2007, catching nearly everyone off guard. The franc strengthened sharply, which hurt Swiss exporters but helped keep imported goods from getting more expensive for Swiss consumers. Defensive Swiss companies like Nestlé and Roche, which earn money worldwide and have steady demand, weathered the stronger franc better than smaller export-dependent manufacturers.

Assets named in this scenario · 10

ABBJulius BaerNestléNovartisPartners GroupSwiss Franc (CHF)Swiss LifeSwiss ReUBS GroupZurich Insurance

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Oct. 24, 2026