Swiss National Bank Analysis

The SNB watch tool — market-implied SNB rate probability for every quarterly assessment, recalculated daily

Swiss National Bank Analysis's next policy meeting is scheduled for 24 September 2026. The current market-implied probability of no change is 97%.

SNB Overview Swiss National Bank Overview

What is the Swiss National Bank?

The Swiss National Bank (SNB) is Switzerland's central bank, responsible for keeping prices stable and the Swiss franc strong. Unlike other central banks, the SNB is famous for actively buying and selling foreign currencies to control the Swiss franc's value.

Key Facts:

  • Meets 4 times per year (quarterly: March, June, September, December)
  • Main goal: Keep inflation between 0-2% annually
  • Unique tool: Foreign exchange intervention to weaken/strengthen the Swiss franc
  • Current policy rate: 0.00% (as of June 2025)

The Swiss National Bank conducts monetary policy as an independent central bank, mandated by Article 99 of the Federal Constitution to ensure price stability while taking due account of economic developments. The SNB's three-pillar monetary policy strategy consists of: (1) a definition of price stability (CPI growth below 2% annually), (2) a medium-term conditional inflation forecast, and (3) operational implementation through the SNB policy rate and foreign exchange interventions.

Operational Framework:
• Policy Rate: Currently 0.00% (effective June 20, 2025)
• Implementation: Tiered remuneration system for sight deposits
• Key Benchmark: SARON (Swiss Average Rate Overnight)
• Meeting Frequency: Quarterly assessments with conditional inflation forecasts
• Balance Sheet: CHF 703+ billion (May 2025), heavily weighted toward foreign currency reserves
0.00%
SNB Policy Rate
Effective June 20, 2025
0.6%
Current Inflation
May 2025 (preliminary)
CHF 703B
Foreign Reserves
May 2025
1.0-1.5%
GDP Growth Forecast
2025-2026 projection

What Will the SNB Do Next? Rate Probability Analysis

Based on economic indicators and analyst predictions, here's what experts think the SNB will do at upcoming meetings:

  • September 2025: Most likely no change (rates stay at 0%)
  • December 2025: Possible rate cut to negative territory if inflation stays low
  • Key factors: Swiss franc strength, inflation trends, global economic conditions
Methodology Note: Unlike Fed/ECB analysis using liquid futures markets, SNB rate probabilities are derived from: (1) consensus analyst forecasts from 12+ Swiss financial institutions, (2) SARON futures with limited liquidity (significant bid-ask spreads), (3) macroeconomic indicator analysis, and (4) SNB communication parsing. Accuracy is inherently lower due to limited market-based price discovery mechanisms.
SARON Futures Limitations:
• Limited open interest beyond 6-month horizon
• Wide bid-ask spreads (5-15bp typical)
• Low trading volume compared to EUR/USD rate markets
• Primary dealers: UBS, Credit Suisse, Zürcher Kantonalbank

Alternative Data Sources:
• KOF Economic Barometer and leading indicators
• SNB Survey of market participants
• Swiss bond yield curve dynamics
• CHF real effective exchange rate analysis
Markets price 70 bp of tightening in total — about 2.8 hikes — across the next 6 meetings.
This is the one figure that is safe to quote on its own. The per-meeting percentages below describe the same single expected path seen from different dates — they are not separate bets, and adding them across meetings double-counts the same move.
Meeting
Move at this meetingThe fresh move priced for this date alone
Rate level by this dateCumulative — already includes every move priced for earlier meetings
September 24, 2026
3.0%+0.7 bp
0.01%higher 3.0%same 97.0%lower 0.0%
December 10, 2026
38.3%+9.6 bp
0.10%higher 40.1%same 59.9%lower 0.0%
March 18, 2027
72.8%+18.2 bp
0.29%higher 83.7%same 16.3%lower 0.0%
June 24, 2027
84.6%+21.2 bp
0.50%higher 97.5%same 2.5%lower 0.0%
September 23, 2027
51.1%+12.8 bp
0.62%higher 98.8%same 1.2%lower 0.0%
December 16, 2027
29.8%+7.4 bp
0.70%higher 99.1%same 0.9%lower 0.0%

Where the market thinks the rate will be

Each column is one meeting; each row is a policy rate level. Darker means the market puts more weight on that level being in force after that meeting. The outlined row is today’s rate. Read down a column for one meeting’s full distribution — each column sums to 100%.

Rate
Sep 26
Dec 26
Mar 27
Jun 27
Sep 27
Dec 27
1.50%
1.25%
4
1.00%
1
13
20
0.75%
1
24
38
37
0.50%
1
29
50
36
29
0.25%
3
39
54
22
12
9

Shading: share of probability on that rate level. Blank cells carry under 0.5%.

September 11, 2026

Market Implied Rate Path

Based on SARON 3-month futures. Shows where markets expect the SNB policy rate to average at each future date, comparing today's expectations with those from 1 and 4 weeks ago.

Data as of September 11, 2026

Latest SNB News SNB News & Market Analysis

Placing unjustified importance on Fed's monetary policy, says Jefferies' David Zervos
CNBCSep 11, 2026Monetary Policy

Placing unjustified importance on Fed's monetary policy, says Jefferies' David Zervos CNBC

Mozambique: Business leaders expect central bank solutions for exchange-rate stability from central bank
CLUB OF MOZAMBIQUESep 11, 2026General

Mozambique: Business leaders expect central bank solutions for exchange-rate stability from central bank CLUB OF MOZAMBIQUE

Major Central Banks Signal Hawkish Rate Hikes Amid Energy Price Surge
Global Banking & Finance ReviewSep 10, 2026Monetary Policy

Major Central Banks Signal Hawkish Rate Hikes Amid Energy Price Surge Global Banking & Finance Review

Swiss Franc gives back gains, but US Dollar struggles with Inflation data on tap
FXStreetSep 10, 2026Economic Data

Swiss Franc gives back gains, but US Dollar struggles with Inflation data on tap FXStreet

Swiss National Bank rate decision in September
CoinbaseSep 9, 2026Monetary Policy

Swiss National Bank rate decision in September Coinbase

Clarida: U.S. Economic Outlook and Monetary Policy
Forex FactoryAug 29, 2026Monetary Policy

Clarida: U.S. Economic Outlook and Monetary Policy Forex Factory

Global Financial Markets Navigate Shifting Monetary Policy Expectations And Volatile Energy Pressures Amid Summer Trading
The Daily Scrum NewsAug 27, 2026Monetary Policy

Global Financial Markets Navigate Shifting Monetary Policy Expectations And Volatile Energy Pressures Amid Summer Trading The Daily Scrum News

Ukraine’s Central Bank Expands Checks Into Banks Linked to Halushchenko Bail Payments
Межа. Новини України.Aug 27, 2026General

Ukraine’s Central Bank Expands Checks Into Banks Linked to Halushchenko Bail Payments Межа. Новини України.

Rwanda’s Central Bank Tightens Policy Further
TradingViewAug 27, 2026General

Rwanda’s Central Bank Tightens Policy Further TradingView

Global central banks to announce monetary policy decisions in September
Anadolu AjansıAug 27, 2026Monetary Policy

Global central banks to announce monetary policy decisions in September Anadolu Ajansı

Monthly central bank policy rate in Switzerland 1957-2026
StatistaAug 18, 2026Monetary Policy

Monthly central bank policy rate in Switzerland 1957-2026 Statista

In the Cockpit of SNB Chairman Martin Schlegel
finews.comJul 31, 2026General

In the Cockpit of SNB Chairman Martin Schlegel finews.com

When Does the SNB Meet? SNB Meeting Schedule

The SNB meets four times per year - once each quarter. Unlike the Federal Reserve which meets 8 times yearly, the SNB follows a more deliberate quarterly schedule:

  • March: Q1 assessment with inflation forecast update
  • June: Q2 assessment with inflation forecast update
  • September: Q3 assessment with inflation forecast update
  • December: Q4 assessment with inflation forecast update
Meeting DateQuarterStatusKey Focus
March 20, 2025Q1 2025CompletedPolicy rate maintained at 0.25%
June 19, 2025Q2 2025CompletedCut to 0.00%, inflation forecast revised down
September 26, 2025Q3 2025UpcomingCHF strength assessment, FX intervention stance
December 12, 2025Q4 2025ScheduledYear-end assessment, 2026 outlook
March 19, 2026Q1 2026ScheduledQuarterly inflation forecast update

Market Conditions Market Analysis & FX Dynamics

Current Situation

The Swiss franc is very strong, making Swiss exports expensive for other countries. The SNB is considering whether to cut interest rates further or intervene in currency markets to weaken the franc and help Swiss businesses.

Key Factors to Watch
  • Swiss inflation (target: below 2%)
  • Swiss franc exchange rate vs Euro and USD
  • Swiss export performance
  • Global economic uncertainty
Current Market Sentiment

Markets are increasingly focused on the SNB's tolerance for CHF strength, with EUR/CHF trading near historical lows around 0.93-0.95. The combination of global rate convergence toward Swiss levels and safe-haven flows continues to pressure the franc higher, challenging the SNB's price stability mandate through disinflationary import effects.

Key Market Drivers
  • CHF real effective exchange rate at multi-year highs
  • SARON-EUR OIS spread compression reducing carry appeal
  • Swiss 10Y yield differential vs Bund at historic tights
  • SNB balance sheet composition (85%+ foreign currency assets)
  • KOF leading indicators and PMI divergence trends
What This Means

A strong Swiss franc is like having expensive prices in a store - fewer people want to buy Swiss products. The SNB has tools to make the franc cheaper (weaker), which would help Swiss companies sell more abroad.

SNB's Main Tools
  • Interest rates: Lower rates = weaker franc
  • Currency intervention: Buy foreign money, sell Swiss francs
  • Communication: What the SNB says affects markets
FX Market Analysis

Limited SARON futures liquidity constrains market-based policy expectations, with most positioning reflected in FX forwards and cross-currency basis swaps. Current CHF overvaluation estimates range from 10-15% on REER basis, suggesting intervention threshold potential around EUR/CHF 0.90-0.92.

Policy Transmission Channels
  • Interest rate channel: SARON transmission to mortgage rates (80%+ variable)
  • Exchange rate channel: Trade-weighted CHF impact on CPI (est. -0.3pp per 5% appreciation)
  • Balance sheet channel: Bank lending standards and credit growth
  • Wealth effects: Asset price impacts through pension fund allocations

How We Analyze the SNB Methodology & Data Sources

Why is SNB analysis different?

Unlike the US Federal Reserve where we can use financial markets to predict rate changes, Switzerland's markets are smaller. Instead, we rely on:

  • Expert opinions: What Swiss bank economists predict
  • Economic data: Inflation, growth, employment numbers
  • SNB statements: What officials say in speeches and reports
  • Currency markets: How the Swiss franc moves against other currencies

Our SNB probability calculations utilize a multi-factor approach combining: (1) consensus forecasts from 15+ Swiss financial institutions weighted by historical accuracy, (2) limited SARON futures analysis with appropriate bid-ask spread adjustments, (3) econometric models incorporating KOF leading indicators, inflation expectations, and CHF REER dynamics, and (4) textual analysis of SNB communications using NLP sentiment scoring.

Data Sources & Limitations:
SARON Futures: SIX Swiss Exchange, limited liquidity beyond 6M horizon
Consensus Forecasts: UBS, Credit Suisse, ZKB, Pictet, Vontobel, J.Safra Sarasin, others
Economic Indicators: SECO, SNB, KOF ETH Zurich, BIS Basel
FX Data: SNB daily intervention estimates, BIS triennial survey
Update Frequency: Daily market data, weekly analyst updates, quarterly SNB assessments
Accuracy Disclaimer: SNB rate probabilities exhibit higher uncertainty than Fed/ECB analysis due to: (1) limited derivatives market liquidity, (2) irregular intervention patterns affecting market signals, (3) small open economy sensitivity to external shocks, and (4) unique dual mandate including exchange rate stability considerations. Historical accuracy rates: 65-70% for next meeting, 45-55% for 6+ month horizon.

Swiss Economy Basics Economic Context & Structural Factors

What makes Switzerland special?

  • Safe haven: Investors buy Swiss francs during global uncertainty
  • Export economy: Swiss companies sell luxury goods, machinery, and chemicals worldwide
  • Strong currency tradition: The Swiss franc has been strong for decades
  • Low inflation history: Switzerland rarely has high inflation

These factors mean the SNB often fights against a strengthening currency rather than trying to strengthen it like other central banks.

Structural Economic Characteristics
  • Trade Openness: Goods exports ~65% of GDP, services ~25%
  • Sectoral Composition: Pharmaceuticals (35%), machinery (20%), chemicals (15%)
  • Labor Market: Unemployment typically 2-3%, high skills premium
  • Monetary Transmission: Variable rate mortgages dominate (80%+)
  • Financial Integration: Cross-border banking, wealth management center
Policy Challenges
  • Safe Haven Flows: Crisis-driven CHF appreciation pressures
  • Deflation Risk: Strong CHF import price effects
  • Asset Price Bubbles: Low rates fuel real estate concerns
  • Fiscal Coordination: Debt brake rule limits counter-cyclical policy
  • Global Spillovers: ECB/Fed policy transmission via financial markets
Key Economic Relationships:
• Exchange Rate Pass-through: ~15-20% to CPI within 12 months
• Export Elasticity: 10% CHF appreciation → ~8% export volume decline
• Phillips Curve: Flatter than Euro Area, inflation persistence lower
• Financial Accelerator: Limited given stable banking sector, high capital ratios
• Fiscal Multiplier: Estimated 0.6-0.8 due to high import content and CHF appreciation offset

Frequently Asked Questions

The SNB rate probability — the market-implied likelihood of a policy rate hike, cut, or hold at the next quarterly assessment — is shown live on this page. Unlike trackers that refresh a few times a day from cached values, these odds are recalculated daily from same-day Swiss franc interest rate data.

Central Bank Watch analyzes market-implied SNB rate change probabilities based on Swiss franc interest rate markets. These show the likelihood of rate hikes, cuts, or holds at upcoming SNB monetary policy assessments.

The Swiss National Bank conducts quarterly monetary policy assessments (four times per year). The next assessment date is displayed on this page.

The current SNB policy rate is displayed on this page. The Swiss National Bank sets a single policy rate that steers the Swiss franc money market rates.

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