Business climate: Switzerland stays on course despite global economic risks
According to the latest Global Business Optimism Index from Dun & Bradstreet, global business expectations fell by one percent in the second quarter of 2025 compared to the previous year. The main reasons for this are ongoing geopolitical uncertainties, volatile trade strategies and increasing protectionism.
The economic environment is currently quite unstable: "With macroeconomic uncertainty, rising capital costs and a weaker growth forecast, companies remain concerned about the global economic situation and are reluctant to invest. The reshaping of trade relations and uncertainty over tariffs have contributed to over 90 percent of the economies surveyed recording a decline in their financial confidence index," says Marianne Bregenzer, Country Lead at Dun & Bradstreet Switzerland. In this environment, however, Switzerland is comparatively stable. The Business Confidence Index is close to the global average. The Global Business Financial Confidence Index has fallen by 8 percent. The ESG index also fell slightly by 5 percent.
Swiss companies are comparatively resilient
In an international comparison, the decline in the business climate in Switzerland is less pronounced. While many advanced economies recorded sharp declines, Switzerland's index value is close to the global average. In the Global Business Financial Confidence Index, Switzerland reported a decline of 8 percent - a moderate figure in view of a global average of minus 9 percent and in some cases significantly greater losses in other countries.
Supply chains: Switzerland remains at a comparable level despite global challenges
The Global Supply Chain Continuity Index recovered only slightly worldwide in the second quarter (+1%). In the USA, optimism regarding supply chain continuity fell significantly by 8%. Other European countries such as Norway (-17%) and the United Kingdom (-24%) also recorded sharp declines. With a slight drop of 1%, Switzerland is in a much better position in an international comparison, showing that the situation in this country has at least stabilized at pre-crisis levels.
ESG: Swiss companies stick to their sustainability goals
Commitment to environmental, social and governance issues is declining worldwide - particularly among large and medium-sized companies. The Global Business ESG Index fell by 3% in the first quarter of 2025. In Switzerland, the decline was 5 percent. Nevertheless, it is clear that smaller companies in particular are consistently continuing their commitment to environmental initiatives, which means that the ESG level in Switzerland remains largely constant compared to many other countries.
Source: Dun & Bradstreet
