Switzerland 's Gross Domestic Product is the value of all final goods and services produced within the nation's borders. The rate of GDP growth is used as a gauge of the overall health of the Swiss economy. If growth rates are high and sustained the economy is said to be undergoing a boom. If the economy experiences consistent low growth or negative growth then it is said to be in a recession.

Since GDP is the principle indicator of overall growth it is highly watched by markets participants. Strong GDP growth can translate into inflationary pressures that the Swiss central bank may respond to by raising interest rates. Likewise, the bank regularly responds to low growth by lowering rates to spur economic activity.

Technically, Gross Domestic Product is calculated in the following way:

GDP = C + I + G + (EX - IM)
where
C = private consumption
I = private investment
G = government expenditure
EX = exports of goods and services
IM = imports of goods and services

The headline figure is the percentage change in nominal GDP from the previous quarter or year.

Relevance : Tends to move markets on release
Release schedule : 5:45 (GMT); quarterly
Source of report : Swiss Federal Statistical Office
Web Address : http://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/portal/en/index.html
Address of release : http://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/portal/en/index/themen/systemes_d_indicateurs/economic_and_financial/data.html