The SNB collects data in particular from banks, from Swiss companies that do business abroad, from credit and debit card issuers, and from operators of ATMs. The SNB treats the data it collects confidentially and used in such a way that no conclusions can be drawn about the companies concerned.

The data collected by the SNB and other institutions is often further processed to make it more meaningful. For example, data influenced by special factors is corrected, seasonal effects are eliminated, and informative indicators are calculated by combining different data.
 

The SNB has the statutory task of ensuring stable prices. Price stability is measured using the Swiss consumer price index (CPI) The CPI is compiled and calculated not by the SNB but by the Swiss Federal Statistical Office (SFSO). Without these statistics, it would not be possible to measure how successful the SNB has been in fulfilling its mandate. 

To ensure price stability, the SNB steers interest rates and the exchange rate to ensure they are appropriate for the prevailing economic situation. In this regard, the SNB is dependent on having the most precise information possible, both regarding the current state of the economy and the outlook. In order to assess the economic situation, the SNB uses data that it has itself collected or calculated, such as data on bank lending or movements in the money supply. However, it also works with data collected by other institutions, for example on GDP development and unemployment.

As a complement to the data surveys, the SNB also regularly conducts talks with companies from the different sectors throughout Switzerland. This provides the SNB with insights into companies’ business activity and outlook. In their entirety, the results of the talks reflect how companies assess the economic situation.
 

Using indicators to measure the health of the banking sector

The SNB has a statutory mandate to contribute to financial stability. In the area of financial stability, the SNB cooperates with other authorities, in particular the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) and the Federal Department of Finance (FDF).

In this context, the SNB – in close cooperation with FINMA – collects extensive data from banks in Switzerland, for example on lending and liquidity. This data is used to calculate indicators that can help assess the stability of the Swiss banking sector.

FINMA and the FDF also rely in their work on banking statistics compiled by the SNB. For example, FINMA can use the data collected by the SNB to check whether banks are complying with the rules and regulations in force.

Statistics used to identify trends in payment transactions

The SNB is tasked with ensuring the supply and distribution of cash and facilitating and securing the operation of cashless payment systems. Since the SNB is responsible for both the supply and withdrawal of banknotes, it always knows how much cash is in circulation. This in turn gives it indications of how the use of cash as a payment method is developing.

The SNB obtains additional information on trends in payment transactions from surveys of ATM operators. Of interest is the number of ATMs in Switzerland, as these affect the availability of cash, and thus its use. The SNB also collects data on cashless payments, such as the use of credit and debit cards (e.g. amounts and number of transactions).

In addition to statistical surveys, the SNB conducts surveys of the general public and companies in order to obtain information on the use of various payment methods and to identify any changes.