Switzerland Posts 0.7% Q1 GDP as China Caixin PMI Hits 51.8

4 articles · Updated · XTB · Jun 1

Switzerland reported Q1 GDP growth of 0.7% quarter-on-quarter, beating the 0.6% forecast and giving Europe an early macro boost at the start of June.
China's Caixin manufacturing PMI came in at 51.8 for May, above the 51.5 estimate but down from 52.2, signaling factory activity stayed in expansion despite some cooling.
European stocks opened modestly higher, with the EU50 up 0.43% and tech names led by Nvidia and Microsoft, while Wall Street futures pointed higher after strong May gains.
Oil and gas led cross-asset moves—WTI rose 2.43% toward $90—as escalating U.S.-Iran tensions and disrupted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz kept investors alert.
The focus now shifts to Germany, euro zone and U.S. manufacturing readings later Monday, with the U.S. ISM survey seen at 53 ahead of Friday's payrolls report.

Why are Swiss consumers cutting back overall yet splurging on high-margin gadgets amid rising economic uncertainty?

As traditional exports falter, can niche 'problem-solver' products become Switzerland's new engine for economic growth?

How will the Swiss central bank shield the economy from a strong franc fueled by the US-Iran war?