Swiss consumer sentiment worsens on economic view

ZURICH
Consumer confidence in Switzerland worsened slightly in the third quarter as households grew more pessimistic on the economy and employment, a survey released on Wednesday showed
The quarterly Swiss Consumer Sentiment Index slipped to minus 9 from minus 5 in the previous quarter
The index is compiled by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs and is based on a poll of 1,200 households
"Consumer sentiment in Switzerland remained relatively stable in July with the index corresponding to the historical average and reflects the rather prudent attitude of Swiss private households," Seco said
Two of its four subindexes "deteriorated noticeably" whereas the subindexes on financial security and savings were little changed, Seco said
The ministry forecasts gross domestic product growth of 1.4% and an average unemployment rate of 3.3% this year--rising in 2014 to 2.1% and steadying at 3.3%, respectively
It is scheduled to release its latest projections on Sept. 19