Global economy: Desperate measures
Swiss move to defend the franc from investors seeking safety reflects the fear stalking the markets – and policymakers’ dwindling armoury
The Swiss National Bank is bidding to contain the country’s surging currency as the franc’s overvaluation threatens the Swiss economy
Franc plunges against the euro after central bank sets a minimum exchange rate target but analysts fear the move could trigger a currency war
The SNB’s decision to buy foreign currency to combat the overvaluation of Swiss franc has brought positive results but the action is high risk
Exchange rate is particularly important for Switzerland as a small, open economy with scant natural resources and a dependence on trade
A controversial choice because of his background and relative youth, Philipp Hildebrand gained reputation for readiness to speak out
Tuesday was not the first time that Switzerland tried to put a ceiling on the the currency’s appreciation. The central bank took similar action in 1978
Swiss move to defend the franc from investors seeking safety reflects the fear stalking the markets – and policymakers’ dwindling armoury
The Swiss central bank’s actions to weaken the franc will work for now but they may need to consider more draconian measures such as capital controls
The central bank’s attempt to protect exporters is worthy, but has destabilising implications for domestic prices
The Alpine nation is battling to curb a rise in its currency. Sound stewardship of the economy is now being punished, writes Haig Simonian
For the first six months of last year the Swiss National Bank, which unusually for a central bank is privately owned, gambled hugely on the currency markets
The Swiss National Bank had little option but to act, decisively and radically
September looks to be a busy month for currency traders at SNB and BoJ
The hope is that shock therapy will push market rates into such negative terrain, foreigners will not want to hold francs