Publications

31% of survey respondents in Switzerland, compared to 24% in Western Europe overall, consider cost containment to be one of the greatest challenges to business profitability in 2015.

The strong focus on protection of exports from the risk of payment default by customers comes as no surprise for the Netherlands, whose GDP growth is heavily dependent on international trade.

In 2015, Sweden expects a modest growth in the consumer durables retail segment.

The Chinese retail market remains highly fragmented due to the large population and differences in consumer behaviour and purchasing power across the country.

The forecast for Spain ́s economy seems to sustain further consumer durables sales in 2015. However, for some segments growth could be lower, given high purchase levels already seen in 2014.

In 2015, Colombia’s economic performance is expected to slow down somewhat (to 3.8%) due to lower commodity prices, while robust domestic demand should sustain growth.

In 2015, Chile is forecast to see a decrease in inflation and an increase in economic growth.

Argentina’s economy contracted 1.6% in 2014, and this negative trend is expected to continue in 2015, as exchange and price controls are forcing producers to scale back their activities.

Depreciation of the Euro against the British Pound has made UK products and services less attractive to eurozone buyers.

Italian GDP is expected to grow after three years of contraction. Domestic demand is forecast to stabilise as investments and household consumption are expected to accelerate.