"Many economic indicators suggest that economic activity was slightly more dynamic in the first quarter of 2024 than in the preceding quarters," the central bank said in a report. The SNB said that "moderate" economic growth during the first quarter was driven principally by the service sector, while manufacturing continued to stagnate. The bank, which cut its key interest rate for the first time in nine years last week, said the business outlook is improving, with services sector firms expecting robust growth to continue and manufacturing companies anticipating increases in sales.
U.S. stocks mostly fell from all-time highs, but still managed to snap their weekly losing streaks after the Fed on Wednesday reaffirmed projections for three rate cuts this year.
Crude futures edged lower on a stronger dollar and as international leaders ratchet up pressure on Israel for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.