Category: Blog Articles

Factor investing is the basis for Everon’s investment strategy.  The fundamental premise of this investment approach is to identify specific factors that explain asset returns beyond traditional market risk. These factors, such as Value, Momentum, Size, and Quality, have been widely studied and recognized as drivers of asset performance.

This article analyzes the recent developments in Value, Momentum, Size, and Quality factors using data from the Kenneth R. French Data Library. By doing so, it aims to provide valuable insights regarding the dynamic nature of these factors and their potential impact on portfolio management and risk assessment.

Kenneth R. French is a researcher in the area of factor investing and provides precalculated factor data on his website. He became famous for the publication of the “Fama and French Three Factor Model” together with the Nobel Laureate Eugene Fama in 1992.

The factor data is constructed as long-short portfolios with the intend to extract the pure factor without effects driven by the market. This is the academic approach of factor construction and gives a good indication of the factor itself. However, in practice factors are used slightly differently in portfolio construction.

Value Factor

Value investing involves buying undervalued securities with the expectation that they will appreciate over time. The Value factor has historically been one of the most prominent factors in explaining asset returns, but has lost importance within the last decades. Recently, however, the Value factor has experienced a resurgence of interest, as investors question the sustainability of growth-oriented strategies in the face of changing market conditions.

Using data from the Kenneth R. French Data Library, the Value factor has exhibited a notable shift in recent years. From 2015 to 2019, the Value factor underperformed, but in 2020 and 2021, it experienced a remarkable comeback. This can be attributed to several factors, including the market’s reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic, the subsequent economic recovery, and the reorientation of investor focus towards value-oriented strategies.

This orientation towards value remained strong in 2022, as the insecurity about the impact of the higher interest rate regime on the economy persisted. With the beginning of this year, we see already a shift back from value towards growth again. Even though the factor was on average negative for the last decade, value is still the go-to factor in times of crisis. Therefor it should still find its consideration in an asset managers investment decision.

Momentum Factor

Momentum investing involves taking long positions in assets that have exhibited strong recent performance and short positions in assets that have underperformed. The Momentum factor is based on the notion that assets with strong past performance tend to continue outperforming in the short term. The Momentum factor has been well-documented in academic literature, and it has been a popular strategy among both individual and institutional investors.

The Momentum factor has been relatively consistent over the past decade with a positive premium on average. Despite short-term fluctuations, the Momentum factor has generally maintained its ability to generate excess returns for investors. However, the factor has experienced some periods of underperformance, such as during the market turmoil induced by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Especially when markets exhibit high volatility with fast change of directions, momentum becomes instable. Since mid-2021 to the end of 2022, momentum was a strong factor, but with the tech rally in the first months of 2023, the overall momentum factor weakened again.

Size Factor

The Size factor, also known as the small-cap premium, posits that smaller companies tend to outperform larger companies on a risk-adjusted basis. This factor has been extensively studied and has shown to be a persistent driver of asset returns. However, the Size factor has experienced some fluctuations in recent years, raising questions about its long-term stability.

The Size factor has shown mixed performance over the past decade. While small-cap stocks have generally outperformed large-cap stocks, the premium associated with this factor has diminished in recent years.

Several explanations for this trend include increased competition among investors, better access to information, and improved risk management practices. However, during the recovery in 2020/21, Size was an outperformer compared to other factors. Data suggests that Size is especially attractive during times of economic recovery.

Quality Factor

The Quality factor focuses on companies with strong fundamentals, such as high return on equity, low leverage, and stable earnings growth. Quality investing has gained prominence in recent years, as investors seek to mitigate risk and identify companies with sustainable business models. The Quality factor has been shown to be a valuable addition to multi-factor portfolios, offering diversification benefits and potential for outperformance.

The Quality factor has performed well over the past decade, with a generally stable premium. This suggests that the Quality factor has been relatively resilient, even during periods of market turmoil such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

The strong performance of the Quality factor can be attributed to various factors, including investors’ increasing focus on companies with sustainable business models, greater emphasis on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, and the recognition of quality as a source of long-term value creation.

Implications Investors

The analysis of the Value, Momentum, Size, and Quality factors provides valuable insights for asset managers and investors seeking to capitalize on factor risk premia. The following points summarize the key takeaways from this study:

• Value: Despite a period of underperformance, the Value factor has experienced a resurgence in recent years. Asset managers should remain vigilant and adaptive to changing market conditions to capitalize on the potential return premiums associated with this factor.
• Momentum: The Momentum factor has generally been consistent in generating excess returns, but it is not immune to short-term fluctuations and periods of underperformance. Investors should understand the potential risks associated with Momentum investing and incorporate appropriate risk management strategies.
• Size: The Size factor has shown mixed performance in recent years, with the small-cap premium diminishing over time. Asset managers should remain cautious in their reliance on the Size factor and consider potential changes in its efficacy when constructing portfolios.
• Quality: The Quality factor has demonstrated strong and stable performance, suggesting its resilience and potential for long-term value creation. Investors should consider incorporating the Quality factor into their investment strategies to enhance portfolio diversification and capitalize on the benefits of quality investing.

Changes in factors over time:

We have seen that factors evolve differently over time and perform differently during specific market environments. Correlations between the considered factors suggest, that it is beneficial to combine them as some exhibit negative correlations to each other. 

By doing so, the outperformance of one factor can make up the underperformance of another factor. If we then continue to apply weightings to the factors according to their short-term momentum, we can even minimize the impact of the underperformance by some factors in order to achieve an overall superior result.

	Market	Size	Value	Quality	Momentum
Market	1	0.347	0.082	-0.568	-0.326
Size	0.347	1	0.272	-0.222	-0.363
Value	0.082	0.272	1	0.183	-0.181
Quality	-0.568	-0.222	0.183	1	0.111
Momentum	-0.326	-0.363	-0.181	0.111	1

Conclusion

The development of factor risk premia, particularly for the Value, Momentum, Size, and Quality factors, has significant implications for asset managers and investors. By closely monitoring the evolving relationships between these factors and adapting the investment strategy accordingly, asset managers can better manage portfolio risk and potentially improve investment performance.

As markets continue to evolve, understanding the dynamics of factor risk premia will remain crucial for successful portfolio management and risk assessment in the field of factor investing and beyond.

All about occupational benefits in Switzerland’s 3-pillar system

People who live and work in Switzerland pay part of their income into the financial instruments of the first and second pillars. In addition, the Swiss pension system allows people to make voluntary retirement contributions with partial tax incentives.

As the second pillar, the occupational pension plan (BVG) is an important pillar of the Swiss 3-pillar system. It complements the mandatory AHV insurance. But how far do the benefits go and to what extent do they cover actual needs in old age?

In this guide, you will find answers to questions about the BVG contribution obligation, the possible amount of the old-age pension and the additional safeguards. This will enable you to classify the options in concrete terms and pursue your personal pension strategy in a targeted manner.

The most important facts in brief

• BVG stands for «Federal Law on Occupational Retirement, Survivors’ and Disability Pension Plans».
• It represents the second pillar within Switzerland’s 3-pillar system.
• The BVG pension supplements the retirement pensions of the first pillar and provides additional coverage in case of disability and death.
• Every employer maintains a pension fund or is affiliated with one.
• Employees are compulsorily insured from a minimum income.
• Employers contribute at least 50 percent of the monthly contributions.
• The expected retirement pensions from the first and second pillars are not sufficient to secure the standard of living in old age.

What is BVG? The legal basis

In colloquial language, the abbreviation BVG is often used in Switzerland to refer to occupational pension plans, i.e. pension funds. BVG stands for «Federal Law on Occupational Retirement, Survivors’ and Disability Pension Plans». This law sets out the framework for occupational pension provision. The federal law has been in force since January 1, 1985.

Pension funds existed in Switzerland many decades earlier. As early as 1925, about 262’000 members were insured in 1’200 pension funds. However, membership was reserved for only a few citizens, such as civil servants or bank employees.

BVG: 2nd pillar of the 3-pillar system

The Swiss pension system is based on three pillars, which explains the classification of the BVG:

• First pillar: state pension (AHV)
• Second pillar: occupational pension plan (BVG)
• Third pillar: private pension provision (see tips on pillars 3a and 3b)

The second pillar (BVG) helps insured persons and their dependents with benefits in retirement, disability and death.

Pillar 2a and Pillar 2b

The second pillar of the Swiss pension system is divided into a compulsory and a non-compulsory part. The insurable income in the BVG is limited in its amount – the obligatory part. For the part of the income above this, the extra-mandatory part, private provision can be made with the pension instruments of pillar 2b.

The importance of the BVG in the context of pension planning

The mandatory pension covers various risks.

These include:

• Protection in old age (BVG pension)
• Accidents
• Disability
• Death
• Daily sickness benefit insurance to ensure continued payment of wages in the event of illness

Vested benefits institutions are also components of the BVG.

With regard to coverage in old age, the goal of the BVG is that the pension income together with the AHV pension should cover about 60 percent of the last income.

Employers take over organization and share in contributions

As with AHV contributions, employers contribute at least 50 percent to occupational pension plans (BVG). Employers are also responsible for organizing and paying the contributions. As an employee, you therefore receive coverage through a pension fund and do not have to worry about the details.

BVG mandatory ensures minimum benefits

The federal law (BVG) contains regulations that pension funds must comply with. This means that as an insured person, you are guaranteed minimum benefits by law.

Every employer has a pension fund

To ensure that every employee has the option of occupational benefits, all employers must maintain appropriate pension funds or join a joint scheme. Even if the employer fails to do so, employees are guaranteed to be insured with the Stiftung Auffangeinrichtung BVG. This acts as a safety net for the second pillar on behalf of the Confederation. Vested benefits that cannot be transferred to any other institution are also paid there.

Safeguards for the vicissitudes of life guaranteed by law

Since the BVG stipulates the safeguards for survivors in the event of disability or death, insured persons enjoy uniformly prescribed minimum benefits. For example, insured persons with a degree of disability of 70 percent or more receive the full pension and those between 40 and 69 percent receive a partial pension.

Old-age pension only covers part of income

If you take a look at the exact regulations for the old-age pension, you will quickly recognize the gaps within the coverage provided by the BVG.

For this purpose, it is important to be informed about the following restrictions:

• Compulsory insurance only from BVG minimum annual salary: employees are subject to compulsory insurance from an annual salary of at least 22’050 francs (as of 2023). This means that there is no insurance for lower incomes and therefore no pension entitlement is built up.
• Insurance limited to maximum amount: Up to an annual salary of 88,200 francs is provided for retirement. For incomes above these income limits, private pension provision is therefore existential.
• Self-employed persons are not compulsorily insured.
• Employees with fixed-term employment contracts are not insured: This applies to employment contracts of up to three months.
• Family members on one’s own farm are not insured.
• People with reduced earning capacity (at least 70 percent) are not insured.

The limitations on coverage make it clear that in the course of a person’s working life, almost everyone is not insured for more or less large amounts of income. This means that there will be even more gaps in coverage in old age if no private provision is made for this.

The BVG obligation: From when and who is obliged to pay contributions?

According to the BVG, employees are required to pay insurance if they are already insured in the first pillar (AHV) and earn at least CHF 22’050 (as of 2023).

Compulsory insurance begins as soon as an employment relationship is entered into. The minimum age is 17 years of age. Until the age of 24, the contributions only cover the risks of disability and death. Only then are the contributions used to save for the old-age pension.

Important: As mentioned in the previous section, some groups of people are not compulsorily insured (self-employed persons, temporary employment contracts, family members in the agricultural business, disabled persons).

Voluntary insurance via the second pillar (BVG)

Those who are not compulsorily insured under the BVG may be able to take out voluntary insurance.

• Part-time work: If you earn below the BVG minimum wage of 22’050 Swiss francs (as of 2023), it is possible to be insured as a voluntarily insured person with the Stiftung Auffangeinrichtung BVG.
• Self-employed persons: As a self-employed person, you have the option of taking out voluntary insurance with your professional association, with the pension scheme of your employees or via the Stiftung Auffangeinrichtung BVG.

Calculation and payment of contributions

The employer, who also pays the BVG contributions, takes care of the connection to the pension fund. According to the BVG, at least half of the contributions must be paid by the employer. Employees have their share deducted directly from their monthly salary.

The BVG minimum contribution is regulated in ascending order according to age groups in the BVG.

Age	BVG contribution
25 – 34	7 percent of insured salary
35 – 44	10 percent of insured salary
45 – 54	15 percent of insured salary
55 – 65	18 percent of insured salary

Employers may make higher contributions than required by law to retain their employees.

Coordination deduction and insured salary

According to the framework law BVG, the benefits that insured persons receive from the first and second pillar are coordinated. Therefore, a so-called coordination deduction is made in the income to arrive at the insured salary. This currently amounts to 25’725 francs (as of 2023) and corresponds in principle to 87.50 percent of the highest AHV full pension.

For example, if an employee has a gross annual salary of 79,000 francs, this results in an insured salary of 53’275 francs (79’000 – 25’725). The contributions are again calculated from the insured salary. It is therefore important for your pension planning to note that not the entire salary is insured.

Minimum insured salary

The coordination payment would lead to a situation where low incomes would no longer be insured. To avoid this, the legislator has defined a minimum insured salary, which in principle corresponds to 150 percent of the maximum AHV full pension (CHF 2’450, as of 2023). The minimum insured annual salary is therefore CHF 3’675 (as of 2023).

Upper BVG limit and maximum insured salary

The upper limit of the gross salary to be insured under the BVG is three times the maximum AHV full pension (29’400 francs, as of 2023). This results in a BVG limit of 88’200 francsin 2023. In this context, pay attention to the benefits of your pension fund, as some pension funds provide higher benefits than the BVG stipulates.

The maximum insured salary is calculated from the upper BVG limit and the coordination deduction. This is an essential limit for the personal pension plan. For 2023, this means that a maximum of CHF 62’475 of the salary is insured.

Save taxes as a self-employed person with a voluntary pension plan

If you belong to a pension fund as a self-employed person, you can deduct BVG contributions of up to 25 percent of your annual income subject to AHV from your taxable income, depending on your pension plan.

Vested benefits in the event of an interruption of the employment relationship

By nature, insured persons do not remain members of the same pension fund throughout their working lives. In the event of a change of employer, the retirement assets are taken over by the new pension fund. However, even if a new employment relationship does not follow seamlessly, the pension fund assets paid in may not be withdrawn from the pension circuit. This is the case, for example, in the event of maternity or unemployment. The previous pension fund then transfers the termination benefit to a catch-up institution after 24 months at the latest (after six months at the earliest). Providers include various banks, wealth management companies or insurance companies.

The vested benefits institution holds the capital in a low-risk vested benefits account. Since it hardly generates any return there, you should, if necessary, examine alternative securities solutions, such as those offered by digital asset management offered by digital asset management companies.

The BVG pension: ordinary withdrawal

The ordinary withdrawal of the BVG pension is scheduled as soon as the retirement age is reached.

You have the following options for drawing the retirement assets:

• monthly pension upon reaching retirement age
• Withdrawal of the balance as a lump sum
• Withdrawal of a quarter of the balance as a lump sum and the rest as a pension

Please note that the options for lump-sum withdrawals are regulated differently in the pension funds. It is therefore advisable to look into this issue about ten years before you retire.

BVG pension and AHV pension together should cover about 60 percent of the last net income. However, this frequently found generalization is not accurate in many cases. Note that due to the limits described in the previous sections, it can be assumed that the complete income is rarely insured during the working life.

Early Retirement Option

With many pension funds, it is possible to withdraw assets as early as the age of 58. Early retirees must expect deductions of between three and five percent per year of early withdrawal.

Personal circumstances answer the question of pension or lump sum

Since the decision cannot be reversed, it must be made very carefully and, in the case of married couples, jointly.

To help, the following table shows a comparison of the main differences.

	Pension	Capital
Income	Regular income is secured for life.	The income from the assets develops depending on the capital market and the investment strategy.
Flexibility	The withdrawal of the fixed pension is unchangeable.	Free decision on investment and use of the capital. The strategy can be adjusted if life circumstances change.
Survivors’ pension	Widow’s or widower’s pension normally 60 percent of the retirement pension drawn. Cohabiting partners and adult children are not included in the statutory provision.	Existing assets can be disposed of by will within the framework of the statutory provisions.
Taxation	The pension is fully taxable.	One-time capital benefit tax at a reduced tax rate. The existing capital is taxed as assets, the income from it as income.

With regard to individual circumstances, for example, the state of health is a criterion for deciding between pension and capital. Those who expect an above-average life expectancy will opt for annuities.

Spouses also often prefer to opt for a pension in order to provide for their spouse. People without a life partner are more likely to opt to bequeath part of the pension fund capital to descendants.

Risk tolerance and experience with investments also influence the decision for or against a lump-sum withdrawal. If you have sufficient other sources of income , you can invest the capital profitably, for example if you have experience with securities investments.

When making a lump-sum withdrawal, pay particular attention to the following points:

• Pension funds have deadlines by which the lump-sum withdrawal must be declared.
• Married couples and registered partnerships: written consent of the partner is required.
• In the case of purchases into the pension fund, the resulting benefits cannot be made before three years after the last purchase.
• Use the professional support of an asset management company.

Pension or lump sum: combination often the best choice

A combination of annuity and lump-sum withdrawal can often be a suitable option. If the accumulated retirement assets are high, it may make sense to split them into an annuity portion and a lump-sum payment. The pension portion can then be used to cover current expenses, while the lump-sum payment can be used for additional needs such as travel or major purchases. In this way, you can benefit from the advantages of both options and have both regular income and greater financial flexibility.

The BVG pension: early withdrawal

Under clearly defined conditions, the BVG also permits an advance withdrawal of the saved capital before retirement age.

• Construction or purchase of residential property: Provided the home is owner-occupied, the pension fund assets can be withdrawn early for the construction or purchase of residential property. Mortgage loans can also be repaid with the capital.
• Self-employment as main occupation: In the year in which you start working as a self-employed person, you can withdraw your pension fund assets early. However, this is always in full, i.e. not as a partial withdrawal.
• Leaving Switzerland for good: Emigrants can make advance withdrawals from the mandatory occupational pension plan if they emigrate to a non-EU/EFTA country . In the case of EU/EFTA countries , the advance withdrawal does not work, as here the mandatory insurance for old age, disability and survivors’ benefits takes effect and this, according to the law, prevents the advance withdrawal.

Valuable safeguards of the BVG

The main insurance benefits of the BVG include disability and survivors’ benefits.

Disability benefits

A disability pension is paid from a degree of disability of 40 percent. The amount is graduated according to the degree of disability and starts at 25 percent of the full pension at 40 percent disability. The full disability pension amounting to 6.8 percent of the projected retirement assets is paid for a degree of disability of 70 percent or more.

Survivors’ pension

The BVG provides for a survivor’s pension if the deceased leaves dependent children. Likewise, the surviving spouse receives a widow’s or widower’s pension if the deceased is 45 or older and the couple were married for at least five years. In the event of remarriage, there is no further entitlement to a survivor’s pension. If the requirements are not met, the surviving spouse is entitled to a lump-sum settlement of three annual pensions.

Since January 1, 2007, surviving registered partners have the same entitlements under the BVG as spouses. The prerequisite is that the partnership existed for at least five years before the death and that joint children are to be maintained. However, it is important to check whether the respective pension fund has already included these benefits in its catalog.

The amount of the survivor’s pension is 60 percent of the retirement pension drawn (or the full disability pension, if applicable).

Divorced spouses may also be entitled to a survivor’s pension. Prerequisites: The marriage lasted at least ten years and a pension or lump-sum settlement was awarded in the divorce decree.

In addition to the surviving spouse, also Children of the deceased are also entitled to a BVG pension. This is paid to the children until they reach the age of 18 and amounts to 20 percent of the old-age pension. Provided the child is still in education or is at least 70 percent disabled, the orphan’s pension can be drawn until the age of 25.

The BVG pension in practice: examples

The amount of the BVG pension depends on the retirement assets you have built up with your pension fund at retirement. To determine the pension, the retirement assets are multiplied by a fixed conversion rate. For example, if you have retirement assets of 250’000 Swiss francs, this results in an annual BVG pension of 17’000 Swiss francs or 1’416 a month at a conversion rate of 6.8 percent (as of 2023).

The retirement assets are calculated from the following items:

• Retirement credits (contributions from employee and employer)
• Vested benefits
• Deposits (purchase sums)
• Surpluses and interest

Pension funds must pay interest on the credits and benefits paid in at a minimum interest rate. This has steadily declined in recent years due to the persistent low interest rates and has been as low as 1 percent since 2017 (as of 2023). Until 2002, it had been 4 percent since 1985. This development makes it clear that a reliable projection of the old-age pension is not possible. Added to this are the changed mandatory insurance sums as well as the conversion rate, the reduction of which from 6.8 percent to 6 percent is already being discussed by Parliament .

In order to provide an initial orientation despite the uncertain parameters in the future, the following are therefore some rough calculation examples, which are primarily intended to illustrate the differences in the various case situations. As part of your personal pension planning, make sure to update your individual projections on an ongoing basis and adjust them to reflect changes in the underlying conditions.

Please note in the examples that the calculations are based on assumptions from the past as well as in the future, which may not apply in your personal case.

Example 1:

• 30-year-old
• Career entry at age 25
• Annual salary: CHF 80’000 (average salary until age 65)
• insured salary: CHF 54’275
• Contribution (as a 30-year-old today 7 percent): CHF 316
• of which share as employee: CHF 158
• Pension after retirement at 65: CHF 1’440

Example 2:

• 45-year-old
• Career entry 25
• Annual salary: CHF 110’000 (average salary until age 65)
• insured salary: CHF 62’475
• Contribution (as a 49-year-old today 15 percent): CHF 780
• of which share as employee: CHF 390
• Pension after retirement: CHF 1’690

In addition to the BVG pension, a pensioner’s child’s pension may be payable if the insured person dies (including early retirees). It is paid in the amount of 20 percent of the retirement pension, but not more than for children up to the age of 18. If the child is still in education, a maximum age of 25 applies.

Even though the examples cannot be used to derive a personal projection due to the constantly changing parameters, the differences in the income brackets become clear. In the examples, a gross salary that is 30’000 francs higher only accrues a further pension entitlement of around 3’000 francs or 250 per month.

The importance of the BVG within personal retirement planning

The occupational pension plan (BVG) is an important component of personal retirement planning in Switzerland. It forms the second pillar of the Swiss 3-pillar system and supplements the benefits of the first pillar (AHV). Disability and survivors’ p ensions are an essential financial aid in the relevant life situations.

However, you should not rely solely on the BVG to provide financial security in old age. After all, even if you have paid into it throughout your entire working life, in the best case scenario it will only provide you with around 60 percent of your former salary. As the sample calculations show, the coverage gap is particularly high for higher incomes.

It is therefore important to make use of the entire 3-pillar system and, in particular, to take advantage of allowances. In this way you benefit from Tax advantages and ensure that you are financially secure in old age and can maintain your accustomed standard of living.

Conclusion BVG: Valuable coverage for special life situations – not sufficient financial retirement provision

The occupational pension plan according to the BVG is an essential pillar of the Swiss social security system. The second pillar offers employees in Switzerland good financial security in old age and in the event of disability or death.

Pension funds are reputable institutions and they are financially sound. Employees have the option of increasing their pension benefits by making additional contributions and thus increasing their pension entitlements.

However, the pensions resulting from occupational pension plans, together with the state AHV pension, generally only secure basic needs in old age. However, the standard of living in Switzerland remains high by international standards. In this context, it is striking that despite the positive framework conditions in Switzerland, the Old-age poverty is above average in a European comparison. It is therefore important to take additional private pension measures in order to be able to maintain the accustomed standard of living in old age.

Switzerland is a country known for its high quality of life. As a Swiss citizen, it is therefore a desirable goal to enjoy old age in Switzerland. In this context, when you plan your financial future, the specific retirement age should not be missing from your considerations. There are many factors that influence the date of retirement in addition to the official regulations.

What retirement age can I currently assume and will the retirement date possibly change? Are there ways to plan for retirement before the official retirement age in Switzerland, and what do I need to consider?

Only those who know the rules regarding retirement age in Switzerland can optimally prepare for a comfortable and secure future. You will find the essential information in this article.

The most important facts in brief

• The long period until retirement offers a wide range of pension options.
• Those who make optimal use of the long investment horizon until retirement age have an easier time of it.
• The retirement age is currently rising in all countries.
• Due to demographic developments and higher life expectancy, the financing of state pensions in Switzerland and internationally is reaching its limits.
• Private pension provision is becoming increasingly important and is the instrument to help determine the personal retirement age.

The retirement age in Switzerland: today and in the future

Currently, there is a women’s pension age and a men’s pension age in Switzerland. This means that the following ordinary retirement ages apply for drawing an AHV pension:

• for men 65 years
• for women 64 years

History of the AHV: Controversial discussions about retirement age in Switzerland

The introduction of the AHV is undoubtedly a milestone within Switzerland’s social policy. It was introduced in 1948. The retirement age for men was set at 65. A retirement age of 65 was also set for women at that time.

Since then, there have been the following major changes during the further development of the AHV:

• 1957: After the pension had been increased several times since the AHV was founded, the women’s pension age was lowered by two years to 63. This revision followed the conviction that physical strength would decline faster in women than in men.
• 1964: Another AHV revision lowered the regular retirement age for women – this time to 62. At the same time, supplementary pensions for wives and children’s pensions were introduced, financed by a contribution from the state.
• 1972: Another milestone in Switzerland’s old-age provision was the introduction of the 3-pillar principle in this year. According to the constitution, the AHV pension is to ensure subsistence and is supplemented by occupational and private pensions.
• 1985: According to the constitution, pensions from the pension fund should ensure the «accustomed standard of living».
• 1997: With the introduction of income splitting, education credits and care credits as well as the widow’s pension, the retirement age for women was simultaneously raised again to 64 in several partial steps.

In the years that followed (2004, 2010 and 2017), there were repeated reforms sought in Parliament to raise the ordinary women’s pension age to 65. However, all reforms were rejected by the time of the people’s decision at the latest.

AHV 21 reform: Uniform retirement age for men and women

The people and the cantons approved the AHV 21 reform on September 25, 2022. On December 9, 2022, the Federal Council set the effective date for this at January 1, 2024.

Key points are:

The retirement age for women and men will be standardized (65 years).
The continued financing of the AHV is secured until 2030.

The ordinary retirement age will in future be referred to as the reference age. This reflects the fact that flexible retirement between the ages of 63 and 70 is possible for both men and women.

Transitional arrangement

According to the reform, the reference age for women will be raised in several steps of three months per year, starting one year after the reform comes into force. If the reform comes into force in 2024, as currently planned, this means that women born in 1960 will not yet be affected by the new reference age. The 1961 cohort, for example, will then have a reference age of 64 years and three months. For the 1964 cohort, the reform will then be finally implemented in 2028 and the women of this cohort will have a reference age of 65.

Retirement age in Switzerland in international comparison

Demographic change and increased life expectancy are presenting many countries with enormous challenges. Even though trade unions and social welfare associations are campaigning for the lowest possible retirement ages, the question of financial viability is increasingly being raised. One consequence of this is often an increase in the statutory retirement age. With an age of 65, Switzerland is in the lower midfield in Europe.

For comparison, here are some countries with the respective statutory retirement age for drawing the full old-age pension:

• Slovakia: 64 years
• Austria: 65 years (currently transitional regulation, finally implemented for birth cohort 1968)
• Germany: 67 years (currently transitional regulation, finally implemented for birth cohort 1964)
• France: 67 years
• Italy: 67 years
• Denmark: 69 (currently transitional regulation, finally implemented for birth cohort 1967, thereafter increase according to the development of life expectancy).

A look beyond Switzerland quickly shows that an increase in the retirement age seems unavoidable. In Denmark, the retirement age has even been linked to the development of life expectancy. Experts therefore assume that it will already be at least 70 years in the next few years.

A reference age of 65 in Switzerland can therefore currently be seen as an expression of economic stability. However, Switzerland will not be able to ignore developments in the long term in order to continue financing the AHV system. This once again highlights the growing importance of occupational and private pension provision.

Early retirement: the options for early retirement

The AHV pension can be drawn one or two years earlier. For each year by which the pension is drawn early, you must accept a reduction of 6.8 percent. Important: The reduction is permanent. It therefore applies to the entire pension period. No children’s pensions are paid during the period of the early withdrawal.

An application must be submitted for the early withdrawal. The deadline for this is the end of the month in which the insured reaches the age of majority.

Usually no early withdrawal from the second pillar

Normally, the BVG pension, i.e. the pension from the second pillar, cannot be withdrawn early. However, some pension schemes allow early retirement from the age of 58. If you are interested, it is best to contact your pension fund at least one year in advance. Pillar 2b capital can, however, be withdrawn at any time.

Early withdrawal from the third pillar

You can withdraw capital from the third pillar at the earliest five years before the AHV retirement age. Please note that only one payment is possible – i.e. one full payment per pension account.

Pension deferral: When retirement is not yet an incentive

Early retirement is not attractive for everyone. So if you would like to continue working, you can postpone payment of your AHV pension for a maximum of five years. Working alongside the AHV pension is also possible.

If you postpone your AHV pension, you will receive a pension supplement later. This is graded according to the duration of the deferral and amounts to between 5.2 and 31.5 percent.

Usually no deferral of the pension from the second pillar

The pension from the occupational pension plan is normally paid from the normal retirement age. However, individual pension plans provide for deferral until the age of 70 in their regulations.

Deferral of benefits from the third pillar

If you can prove that you are working despite reaching the statutory retirement age, you can also postpone drawing from the third pillar for up to five years after the statutory retirement age. It should also be noted here that only one payment, i.e. the full capital, is possible.

Early retirement and pension deferral from 1.1.2024 (AHV 21 reform)

The standardization of the retirement age (in future «reference age») for men and women to 65 years will result in flexible retirement between 63 and 70 years. Women in the transitional years can already choose to retire at age 62.

At the same time, partial retirement and partial pension deferral will be introduced.

Instead of fixed reductions for early withdrawal and supplements for deferral, these will in future be based on average life expectancy. There will also be lower reductions for lower annual incomes (below CHF 57,360). The changes to the reductions and surcharges are planned for 2027 at the earliest. The rates should be set by the Federal Council shortly before they are introduced.

The Swiss pension scheme: Secure your financial future with the 3-pillar principle

The developments of the retirement age and the respective backgrounds clearly show that there will continue to be a shift within the three pillars of retirement provision in Switzerland. For future financial planning, it is therefore important to know and take advantage of the options within the 3-pillar principle.

First pillar: State pension plan

This consists primarily of old-age insurance and survivors’ insurance, known as AHV for short. In addition, there is disability insurance, unemployment insurance, maternity insurance and compensation for loss of income during military service. The first pillar represents a state-organized means of subsistence – but nothing more. Depending on the number of years of contributions as well as the contributions paid in, the maximum pension (as of 2023) is 2,450 francs per month for one person. For married couples, it is currently 3,675 francs.

The insurance covers all people who live or work in Switzerland, with or without gainful employment. Contributions are paid by employed persons and the amount depends on income.

Second pillar: occupational pension plan

The occupational pension plan is funded. It is divided into a

• mandatory (2a) and
• non-compulsory (2b) part

The compulsory part is the old-age provision (BVG pension). This part also includes daily sickness benefits insurance and accident insurance. It also includes vested benefits institutions to take over entitlements if the benefit provider changes.

Benefit providers of the second pillar are public as well as private pension funds. From a minimum annual BVG salary, employees are required to pay insurance and must pay contributions, half of which are paid by the employer. Self-employed persons can pay in voluntarily.

The insurance obligation only applies to a limited part of the income. The part above this is the extra-mandatory part. Voluntary provision can be made for this so-called precaution 2b. Tax advantages can be generated here, since both contributions and saved pension capital are tax-free.

The occupational pension plan can cover about 20 percent of the pension requirements. With the benefits from the first and second pillars, around 60 to 70 percent of the earned income can thus be covered, provided that the extra-mandatory insurances are also used.

Reading tips:

• Vested benefits for occupational pensions: tips and FAQ
• Vested benefits at Everon: Find out now

Third pillar: Private pension provision

As fewer and fewer working people will have to pay for more and more pensioners in the future, private pension provision will become increasingly important. Therefore, part of planning a financially carefree life in old age is the use of the third pillar.

The third pillar is divided into two areas:

• Pillar 3a (tied pension provision, exempt from tax within certain limits, in exceptional cases, such as the purchase of a home, an advance withdrawal is possible)
• Pillar 3b (free pension provision, no immediate tax advantages, fewer restrictions, flexible and needs-based coverage, flexible structuring of payouts)

Thanks to a wide range of financial products, the third pillar allows pension provision to be optimally adapted to individual needs. The identifiable gaps in coverage that are not covered by the first and second pillars of pension provision can be optimally closed with the third pillar. This is particularly relevant against the backdrop of the changing retirement age.

Thinking about tomorrow today: The advantages of early financial provisioning.

The earlier you start making financial provisions, the easier and more profitable it will be to achieve your goals.

There are several reasons for this:

• If you start making financial provision in good time, you can determine your retirement in a more self-determined manner. This gives you more freedom and scope for development.
• Early financial provision can offset the effects of lower pension and social security benefits.
• Investing and saving early creates more wealth over time, and the compound interest effect is particularly powerful.
• A solid long-term financial retirement plan helps realize financial goals and aspirations, such as buying a home or traveling the world.
• Early financial provision creates the financial means to cope with unexpected expenses and emergencies, such as job loss, major repairs or illness.
• Timely wealth accumulation allows for broad diversification and reduces investment risk.
• A long investment horizon provides access to investment opportunities that may not be available at a later date.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What needs to be arranged for retirement and when?

In order to receive an AHV pension, you must inform the compensation office in writing of your entitlement. The compensation office where you have paid AHV contributions in previous years is responsible for processing your claim. If you are unsure, your employer will inform you about the compensation office.

It is important that you submit your application no later than three months before you reach the statutory retirement age. This will enable the compensation office to obtain all the necessary information to calculate your pension.

To receive a BVG pension from the second pillar, you should contact your pension fund a few months before the regular retirement age. They will provide you with information on the exact amount of the pension and guide you through the necessary steps to receive it.

For benefits from the third pillar, you should also contact your private pension fund a few months in advance to find out about the modalities and the amount of your saved capital.

How is the amount of the pension calculated?

The AHV pension is determined by the years of contributions as well as the relevant average income. Additional education credits are granted for children and care credits are available for caring for relatives in need of care. Pensions are limited in terms of maximum pensions and minimum pensions. Insured persons can obtain an estimate of their OASI pension.

The BVG pension from the second pillar is calculated on the basis of the contributions paid in and the pension fund regulations. Normally, a one-time payment of a quarter of the capital is also possible upon retirement. The annuitization of the capital is based on a conversion rate, the minimum level of which is currently set by law at 6.8 percent. For a capital of 250,000 francs, for example, this means a pension of 17,000 francs a year, or around 1,416 francs a month, at a conversion rate of 6.8 percent.

The retirement assets from the third pillar are generally drawn as a one-time lump-sum payment.

Why is there old-age poverty in a wealthy country like Switzerland?

While the standard of living in Switzerland remains very high, the poverty rate in old age is increasing at a striking rate. This can be explained primarily by the fact that Swiss people are more dependent on assets in old age. This highlights the importance of using private pension options. According to statistics from the SFSO, the poverty rate for retirees who draw their main income from the first pillar is over 20 percent. However, if the main income comes from the second pillar, the rate already drops by more than half.

The topic of inheritance is complex and many are overwhelmed when they suddenly inherit higher sums of money or other assets. There are legal regulations that are supposed to regulate the transition. Nevertheless, there are also personal decisions to be made. How should the inheritance be managed and how can it be used or invested wisely? What should be considered when it comes to inheritance tax or debts?

As a testator, this guide will give you an overview of how you can ensure your own wishes. If you have inherited in Switzerland, you are also already prepared for the first steps.

The most important facts in brief

• Under Swiss inheritance law, the right to inheritance is based on the degree of relationship.
• Testators can make provisions that deviate from the law of succession in a will.
• Close relatives are entitled to compulsory portions, which may not be undercut even by their own dispositions.
• Timely planning of the estate benefits testators and heirs.
• Competent asset management helps to maintain and increase the inherited assets.

Parentel system: Swiss inheritance law regulates who inherits and how much

In Switzerland, inheritance law is determined by the parentetel system. If the deceased has not written an official will or inheritance contract, the degree of relationship determines who inherits and how much. With a will or inheritance contract, you can therefore document your will during your lifetime and avoid disputes among heirs.

• Will: You draw up your will yourself and can also amend or revoke it at any time. You are free to formulate your instructions and regulations as long as you comply with the legal limits and, in particular, take into account the compulsory portions. Despite the will, the statutory inheritance law continues to apply due to the compulsory portions.
• Inheritance contract: You and one or more of your heirs can jointly conclude an inheritance contract, which allows you to make decisions outside the legal framework and thus to make individual arrangements. These can only be changed or reversed if all parties agree.

Legal succession according to the parentetel system

The parentetel system determines who is entitled to receive an inheritance and the order in which they receive it. This system is ordered by degree of kinship. If there are no heirs in a particular parentel, the next closest parentel comes into question. Relatives from the third parentel are the last to be entitled to inherit.

• First parentel: This includes direct descendants such as children, grandchildren or great-grandchildren. Children inherit in equal shares. In the case of deceased children, their descendants are entitled to inherit instead.
• Second parentel: These are in particular parents. If they are deceased, their descendants inherit, i.e. siblings and, if applicable, nieces and nephews.
• Third parentel: This is the trunk of the grandparents. Often the grandparents are already deceased and uncles, aunts and possibly cousins take their place. This is provided that there are no heirs within the first two parenteles.

Inheritance entitlement of the spouse

Spouses are always entitled to inheritance by law. The amount of the inheritance claim depends on the other possible legal heirs. In addition, the amount is also influenced by the property law chosen by the spouses.

The surviving spouse is entitled to:

• If there are heirs of the first parentel: 50 percent of the inheritance
• If there are only heirs of the second parentetel: 75 percent of the inheritance.

Determination of the estate

Before the inheritance is divided, the assets are divided according to matrimonial property law. If the spouses have not made any agreements in a marriage contract, the so-called ordinary matrimonial property regime applies. This means that the statutory regulations apply. A distinction is made between four different asset classes:

• The assets brought into the marriage by the wife and gifts (own property).
• The assets brought into the marriage by the husband (personal property)
• Assets acquired by the wife during the matrimonial property regime (acquired property)
• Assets acquired by the husband during the matrimonial property regime (acquisitions).

After this division, the surviving spouse is entitled to the following shares:

• His/her own personal property
• 50 percent of his or her acquisitions
• 50 percent of the inheritance of his deceased spouse

The estate includes the remaining assets.

Spouses have the option of making agreements in a marriage contract that deviate from the legal requirements. For example, community of property or separation of property can be agreed. It can also be agreed in the prenuptial agreement that, for example, the surviving spouse is entitled to all the assets of both spouses in the event of the death of one spouse. However, the undercutting of compulsory shares is only possible in very few exceptional cases. One reason would be a serious crime committed by the heir against the testator.

Inheritance quota – compulsory portions – freely available quotas

When someone dies, the distribution of his or her estate is determined by the surviving relatives. In addition to the spouse, the children are also entitled to a certain compulsory share of the estate. The difference between the legally prescribed inheritance shares and the compulsory shares is the freely available quota, which can be assigned to beneficiaries by means of a will.

The table below provides an overview of the amount of the freely available quota in different family situations.

Heirs left behind…	Statutory inheritance quota	Compulsory part from the estate	Available quota
Descendants (first parentel)	100 percent	50 percent	50 percent
Spouse	100 percent	50 percent	50 percent
Spouse and children	Children 50 percent Spouse 50 percent	Children 25 percent Spouse 25 percent	50 percent
Spouse and parents	Spouse 75 percent Parents 25 percent	Spouse 37,5 percent Parents 0 percent	62,5 percent
One parent and siblings	Parent 50 percent Siblings 50 percent	Parent 0 percent Siblings 0 percent	100 percent

Inheritance tax: The cantons always inherit in Switzerland as well

In Switzerland, the cantons are responsible for determining the inheritance tax. The canton in which the deceased had his or her last residence is responsible. The cantons also decide on tax exemption rules, such as allowances. Inheritance tax is generally payable by the heirs.

Inheritance tax and inheritance tax

Inheritance tax has two forms: inheritance tax and inheritance tax. The inheritance tax taxes all the assets of the deceased without regard to the individual heirs. The inheritance tax taxes each heir’s share of the estate according to his or her relationship (degree of kinship) to the deceased. In Switzerland, only Solothurn and Graubünden still have an inheritance tax. However, the municipalities there can also demand an inheritance tax.

Inheritance tax rates and exemption amounts of the cantons

The different tax laws in Switzerland make the assessment of inheritance tax complex. In general, the tax rate is progressive and certain allowances are taken into account depending on the degree of kinship. Thus, close relatives are entitled to higher allowances than distant ones.

• For spouses, no inheritance taxes are due in all cantons. The same applies for the most part to descendants. Only in Appenzell Innerrhoden, Lucerne, Neuchâtel and Vaud do children have to expect low inheritance taxes of 0.01 to 3.5 percent.
• For parents, the range in the cantons goes from pure tax exemption to a tax rate of fifteen percent. However, there are also tax-free amounts of up to 50,000 francs.
• Depending on the canton, siblings can expect an inheritance tax of up to 23 percent, with allowances of up to 30,000 francs.
• Tax rates for other heirs range from 12 to 49.50 percent, depending on the canton, and there are only small allowances.

Tax on inheritances abroad

In principle, there is a risk that the inheritance will be taxed by several countries. This may be the case, for example, if the deceased person or an heir resided abroad or if an inherited property is located abroad. In these cases, it must be clarified which law applies to the inheritance. In order to avoid heirs having to pay taxes more than once, Switzerland has concluded double taxation agreements with some states in which this is avoided.

Inheritance in Switzerland: the essential steps after death

After the death of a person, the relatives have to deal not only with the mourning but also with the inheritance matters. Those who know the most important points will save themselves some excitement. The following are therefore the essential steps.

• Submitting a will: As soon as you find a will, you must submit it to the authorities. The assessment of authenticity or correct compliance with formal requirements must also be left to the competent official body – this is what the law requires. In this respect, it is safest for the testator to file his or her will immediately with the appropriate office. Depending on the canton, this is the municipal administration, the district court, the inheritance office or the official notary’s office.
• Opening of the will: As a rule, the will is opened by the authorities within one month. This means that the will is read to all heirs present. For the opening, the office invites all legal heirs as well as those appointed in the will. From the day of the opening, many deadlines must be observed, such as the one-month deadline for filing an objection.
• Apply for a certificate of inheritance: This is the legitimation for the heirs. Only with this certificate of inheritance will you, as the heir, have access to the assets. It is applied for at the same authority that opens the will.
• Rejecting an inheritance if necessary: An inheritance does not necessarily have to be accepted. Sometimes heirs decide against accepting the inheritance for personal reasons. Concerns about having to assume responsibility for the decedent’s liabilities if the decedent was overindebted can also be a reason for disclaiming the inheritance. In such cases, the heir submits a written declaration of disclaimer to the court.
• Securing the inheritance: The competent authority is obliged ex officio to take any necessary measures to secure the inheritance. In some cases, this may mean sealing the inheritance, taking inventory or ordering an administration of the inheritance. Sealing means blocking assets and is provided for in cantonal law for certain cases. In particular, if there is no agreement in the determination of the assets, the authority will take appropriate measures.
• The community of heirs: If there are several heirs, they jointly form a community of heirs. Each individual heir has the right to divide the estate. Until the division of the estate, all heirs are joint owners. The co-heirs can exclude the division for a certain period of time. The testator can also exclude the division for a certain period of time in a decree. Likewise, the court has the possibility to postpone a division if this would be extremely unfavorable for the asset at the present time.
• Agreement among heirs or action for partition: There is not always agreement among heirs, particularly with regard to the valuation of the assets. In principle, the valuation has to be made according to the market value, not only in the case of real estate. However, this is a complex procedure, for example in the case of companies. If no agreement can be reached, an action for partition is brought. In this case, the court takes over the objective division. In the end, the community of heirs is dissolved.

Inherited assets: What heirs should pay attention to now

The more extensive the estate, the more diversified it usually is. In addition to financial assets, the decedent may have owned a house, an apartment or even his own company.

Pay particular attention to the following points in relation to the estate:

• Determine assets and debts: In principle, every heir has the legally guaranteed right to receive information about all of the decedent’s assets and debts. If the deceased has appointed an executor in his or her will, the executor is obliged to provide all heirs with comprehensive information regarding the deceased’s assets. Even in the case of unclear property circumstances, heirs may request the preparation of a public inventory within a period of one month after the date of the deceased’s death. As already explained in the section on community of heirs, assets such as securities or real estate do not have to be liquidated immediately if this would currently only be possible with considerable losses.
• Clarify pension fund assets: The beneficiaries are entitled to the claims from the pension fund assets after the death of the insured person. In most cases, there are spouses or orphans entitled to a pension and a survivor’s pension is paid. In all other cases, the pension fund regulations determine what happens to the pension fund assets. The regulations vary among pension funds. It is therefore possible for a saved capital to be forfeited and for it to benefit the community of insured persons.
• Observe deadlines for declaration of disclaimer: Do you want to disclaim your inheritance due to overindebtedness of the testator or for other reasons? If so, you must submit a written declaration of disclaimer to the competent authority within three months of becoming aware of the death.
• Financial planning for the inheritance: Unless heirs have the appropriate financial expertise themselves, they should take care of sound asset management in good time. Digital offerings today enable competent and at the same time cost-effective support even for manageable assets.

With appropriate preparation, testators avoid disputes in the event of inheritance

A carefully planned estate can help avoid conflicts and ensure that the testator’s last will is fulfilled.

Advance inheritance is one way in which parents, for example, can reduce their taxable assets during their lifetime and children can already take advantage of their inheritance. In addition, inheritance taxes can be saved if necessary. However, heirs with an advance withdrawal must have the advance withdrawal offset against their inheritance. Although children, for example, may thus be treated unequally, the compulsory portion may still not be undercut.

In order to document one’s own will, a will is a central matter. Important: Spouses each need their own will. Although a will cannot completely avoid legal difficulties, it simplifies matters. To ensure that your will is taken into account in the event of incapacity, you should also consider a living will and an advance directive.

One way of donating your assets to a social or charitable purpose is to set up a foundation. This can help ensure that heirs can use the assets in a dignified manner after the deceased’s death.

Family businesses sometimes suffer from the fact that succession is not precisely regulated. Anyone wishing to preserve their life’s work should therefore plan in good time during their lifetime.

In this context, the legal structure of the company plays a major role, as it can affect inheritance tax and tax treatment. It is therefore highly recommended to consult with an experienced expert in order to consider the legal and tax consequences.

Separated spouses should know that even in the event of separation, intestate succession applies. If this is not desired, it can only be excluded by divorce or in part by a prenuptial agreement.

Conclusion: Ensure one’s own will for the estate with planning during one’s lifetime.

Death and inheritance are unpopular topics during one’s lifetime, and people like to avoid them. However, problems arise at the latest in the case of inheritance, when disputes arise among the heirs. Frequently, however, unresolved inheritance issues already lead to disputes and disadvantages during one’s lifetime. This can be the case, for example, in the case of an unresolved company succession, as a result of which the development of the company and thus the preservation of the assets can ultimately suffer.

A correctly and unambiguously drafted will, a living will and an advance directive are the appropriate means of planning the estate at an early stage and documenting one’s own will. The clarity of the regulations and clarification with the family ensures the testator’s will and minimizes the potential for conflict. Particularly in the case of larger estates, a lawyer with expertise in Swiss inheritance law should therefore be consulted. In addition to legal clarification, heirs should think about appropriate financial planning for the estate at an early stage. Today, the financial market offers competent asset management services for almost all sizes.

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It has been a turbulent few weeks for the global banking sector. Triggered by the bankruptcy of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and the liquidity problems of other US banks, this has now culminated in the takeover of Credit Suisse by UBS.

But how did it come about and what are the implications for wealth management? In this article you will find information.

What happened?

A brief summary of what happened: Sillicon Valley Bank in the U.S. recently ran into liquidity problems as a result of sharp interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. The bank’s problem was that it had invested a large part of its customer balances in long-dated U.S. government bonds, which are virtually considered a risk-free investment. However, these investments lost massive value due to the sharp interest rate increases last year, which exacerbated the long maturity of the securities.

In addition, the bank’s customers, which are increasingly young technology companies, increasingly withdrew their customer funds due to the current difficult economic environment. When it then became known that the bank had to sell bond positions at a large loss, a bank run ensued.

In the back of the mind that Credit Suisse already suffered from major problems and outflows of money last year, the events in the US now ensured that CS also saw massive withdrawals of funds, which ultimately led to it having to be taken over by UBS.

Impact on asset management

Here we see another good example of the fact that trust is a fundamental factor in this sector. Since this trust has been shaken among many, we would like to use the current occasion to discuss the possible impact of such a crisis on asset management.

1. Custodian Banks: The first point of contact between a crisis, such as that of Credit Suisse, and wealth management would be if the latter were used as a custodian bank. However, asset managers often work with multiple banks, regularly evaluating whether the relevant partner banks are still an appropriate place to hold client assets.
2. Securities as special assets: Securities held in custody at a bank that is experiencing financial difficulties are considered to be so-called special assets. This means that these assets may not be used to pay off creditors of the bank. This means that your securities are protected at all times.
3. Independence: Asset managers are usually not banks themselves and can act completely independently and therefore do not get into liquidity problems, even if all clients want to withdraw their assets. This also means that the asset manager will change custodian bank as soon as it becomes apparent that the financial situation of the respective partner bank is not good.
4. Impact on securities prices: A banking crisis can of course have an impact on securities prices, in the banking sector itself but also outside of it. We have seen this happen in recent weeks, when shares in banks that had nothing to do with the current situation have fallen massively in value. Your asset manager has an eye on current market events at all times and can often better assess how great the danger is for an existing securities portfolio. This makes it easier to distinguish whether it is a short-term reaction of the market or whether there is a need for action because fundamental economic factors have changed.

As you can see, asset managers are not completely immune to crises in the financial sector either. However, they help to better identify risks and act accordingly, minimizing the potential impact. Furthermore, your asset manager will advise you to spread your existing assets in cash across several banks. As in the case of Credit Suisse, we have seen that the actual loss of client assets is very unrealistic.

Now, one might say that this is only the case if the bank is appropriately large. However, smaller banks in particular have a much lower-risk business model than large banks, as they are not active in the high-risk business areas. Some banks also specialize entirely in holding customer assets in custody and facilitating securities trading, which in turn poses little liquidity risk.

While client assets are secured by the UBS takeover, the real losers are Credit Suisse’s investors and the reputation of the Swiss financial center.

Questions? We are here for you!

If you have any questions about this topic or would like to learn more about how we work with our client assets, we are always available to help. Simply get in touch with us.

The Swiss Residential Property Price Index (IMPI) allows you to track the ongoing development of real estate prices. These have almost doubled since 1998. Even in recent years, from the fourth quarter of 2019 to the fourth quarter of 2022, the index has risen from 100 to around 115 points. So is it worth investing?

Investing in real estate in Switzerland is therefore particularly worthwhile if you have a long-term investment horizon. Swiss real estate is one of the investment forms that offer a high degree of inflation protection. Returns are generated through both rental income and capital appreciation. There are many ways to invest in Swiss real estate – directly or indirectly.

So first get an overview of whether and in what way Swiss real estate fits your personal investment strategy.

The most important in a nutshell

• Real estate is considered a security component of a balanced investment strategy.
• Owning your own home is a physical investment that is already being used today.
• Direct investment in real estate requires expertise and time.
• Personal requirements determine the pros and cons of a real estate investment.
• With indirect investments, it is possible to invest in real estate even with small amounts and little effort.

Expected returns vs. secure living in one’s own home

The first step in examining the personal advantages and disadvantages of a real estate investment is to clarify your initial situation:

• Do you already own a property?
• Do you live in your own property or rent?
• What significance does the saved rent have for you in the context of old-age provision?
• What financial assets do you have and in which asset classes are you already invested?

When you invest money in real estate, you own a physical asset. Provided you occupy the property yourself, you are already using this asset. This is a clear difference from investing in securities, for example. Owners of their own home often do not consider their property from a yield perspective. They rate the value of being able to make independent decisions within their own four walls, of being able to design their own home and of being safe from termination of the tenancy very highly. Do you see yourself in this or is it more important for you to be able to keep housing costs low in the long term?

Basically, part of a balanced investment strategy is to have a certain amount of financial assets before investing directly in a pure income property, i.e. a property for renting out. After all, when you purchase a property directly, you are opting for a long-term investment. Compared to securities, it cannot usually be converted into liquid assets at short notice, should the need arise. Also, the not inconsiderable incidental costs of acquisition must first be earned through subsequent returns.

Investing money in real estate: Pros and cons

From an investor’s point of view, real estate offers more than just security and income. There is also a risk in this asset class. The investment process also differs from other investments, especially when buying directly. Interested investors should therefore weigh the following advantages and disadvantages.

The main advantages include:

• Real estate in Switzerland has been characterized by a steady increase in value in the past.
• Investments in real estate are considered a stable value investment and inflation protection.
• Compared to other forms of investment, real estate is subject to only minor fluctuations in value.
• Rented properties provide a regular source of income.
• The saved rent on an owner-occupied home eliminates a significant burden in old age.
• An owner-occupied property is an investment that can already be experienced today (free design, high living comfort).

Possible disadvantages are:

• The purchase prices of real estate in Switzerland are very high, even in international comparison. For example, the median price per square meter in the largest Swiss cities is around 12,000 Swiss francs, which is about twice as high as in the largest cities in neighboring Germany.
• Real estate should generally be viewed as a long-term investment. The ancillary costs of acquisition must first be earned through corresponding income from the property. At the same time, the equity capital invested is tied up for the long term.
• The decision-making process and the purchase process require a relatively large amount of time.
• Maintenance and repairs require the formation of reserves and represent a financial risk.
• Mortgages for financing may be subject to interest rate risks.
• Although returns on real estate have been mostly steady in the past, they have been lower compared to other investments.

Taxation of residential property in Switzerland

If you own your own home, you pay federal and cantonal taxes on the imputed rental value (“Eigenmietwert”) in the form of fictitious income. The imputed rental value is between 60 percent and 70 percent of the average market rent. If you rent out your property, the actual rental income is taxable.

Conversely, homeowners have the interest on mortgages and maintenance work deducted from their taxable income. Thus, those who own a heavily mortgaged property benefit from this rule, as the interest payments are usually higher than the imputed rental value. In contrast, those who live in their debt-free home are disadvantaged, as they must pay income taxes on the full imputed rental value.

When a property is sold, there is predominantly a profit that must be taxed – real estate gains tax is due. The net profit is taxable. Expenses incurred during the purchase and sale can therefore be deducted. The longer the real estate owner has held his property, the lower the tax burden. Therefore, those who purchase a property and sell it again at a profit a short time later pay the most.

Lucrative investment in real estate – also for me?

The advantages of real estate investments listed above do not necessarily apply to every investor. Likewise, depending on your personal situation, not all of the disadvantages mentioned will be perceived as such. Therefore, answer the following questions for yourself. This will help you to quickly determine whether real estate is a suitable form of investment for you or not. Successful real estate investors are usually those who continuously take care of their property. In comparison, investing in an ETF, for example, requires very modest effort.

Can I imagine investing my money for a longer period of time and not being able to dispose of it during that time?

When acquiring a property, there are not inconsiderable ancillary acquisition costs. The value of the property must initially increase by this amount so that you do not have to sell at a loss. Also note that you cannot plan the optimal time for a sale.

Can I imagine taking on a lot of debt?

If you want to invest successfully in real estate, you should not be afraid of high debts. Hardly anyone can finance the purchase of a property from equity alone. Furthermore, in the case of rented properties, it is advisable to finance a larger portion for tax reasons.

Am I able and willing to cope with the possible interest rate risk of the financing?

The installments for the mortgage rarely remain at the same level until repayment. After the fixed interest rate expires, the bank will offer a market interest rate that is current at that time for the follow-up financing. So you should be prepared for fluctuations.

Am I willing to invest my free time in searching for and viewing real estate?

A successful real estate investment depends in the first step on finding the suitable property. In addition to expertise, this requires a great deal of time.

Can I imagine carrying out necessary renovation or modernization work and paying for the costs?

Investors with manual skills have a clear advantage here. In any case, you must always think about building up a reserve for necessary repairs and renovations.

Do I want to take care of the rental and management or hire someone to do it for me?

The ongoing management of a property involves just as much effort as the upcoming new rental. Investors who have a certain relationship to their property will find it easier. Otherwise, consider the financial outlay for property management.

Can I financially afford not to rent out an apartment?

The income and expense account will never be able to close consistently for a property. Therefore, in addition to the reasons mentioned above, possible vacancies, at least temporarily, must also be taken into account. This may be the case, for example, in the event of necessary renovations between a change of tenant.

Am I aware of the risks of the real estate market?

Even though the real estate market is a safe investment in the long term, this market also goes in waves. So never calculate to sell at a predefined time.

Reading Tip:

• Switzerland’s 3-pillar principle
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A wide range of options for investing in real estate

Today, investing in real estate is possible in many ways. In principle, direct investment requires the largest sums and at the same time the highest expenditure. Indirect investments, on the other hand, make it possible to enter the real estate investment class with manageable amounts and without great expense.

Purchase of real estate

When investing in real estate, the first question that arises is whether the property is to be considered purely as a capital investment or whether it is to be owner-occupied. To invest money in a property, the following options are available:

• Condominium ownership: this is a special form of co-ownership (a property with several owners, each of whom owns a share). This refers to condominiums in an apartment building that are assigned to owners. There is a community of owners for the entire apartment building. However, the floor owners can dispose of the defined ownership shares (apartments) on their own.
• Single-family house: the classic owner-occupied home.
• Multi-family house: The value of multi-family houses is determined according to the capitalized earnings value method. For this purpose, certain capitalization factors are applied to the rental income.
• Commercial property: Commercial properties are also valued using the capitalized earnings value method. Due to the higher risk associated with commercial real estate, the capitalization factors are correspondingly higher.

Open-ended and closed-end real estate funds

Open-ended real estate funds are comparable to other classic funds, such as equity funds. Instead of investing in securities, open-ended real estate funds invest their investors’ capital in real estate. Investors can buy the units through the fund company and also return them to the fund company.

In the case of closed-end real estate funds, investors invest in a specific project. Once the project has been financed, the fund is closed. The money invested is thus tied up in the fund. The shares cannot be returned, as is the case with an open-end real estate fund. At best, the investor can sell the shares himself to a potential buyer.

Real Estate ETFs

The real estate ETF tracks an index that includes shares of various companies in the real estate industry. The risk is therefore broadly diversified. There are regional and global real estate ETFs.

Real estate stocks

This is a classic equity investment. What makes it special is that it involves companies from the real estate industry that hold real estate in their portfolio.

REITs

REIT stands for real estate investment trusts. They are an alternative to funds or ETFs. REITs are listed on the stock exchange and can therefore be traded at any time, unlike open-end real estate funds. Although this type of investment has existed in the USA since the 1960s and is extremely popular, the legal framework is still lacking in Switzerland. It involves listed stock corporations that undertake to distribute a large part of the rental income as dividends.

Crowdinvesting

The crowdfunding sector has grown strongly in recent years. Mostly, it involves the financing of large real estate projects. As an investor, you are usually a subordinate lender. This means, for example, that subordinated loans (after bank loans) are provided by small investors for the construction of a nursing home during the construction phase. This is organized via a platform, which then provides the project developer with the collected money as a sum. It should be noted that in the event of insolvency, all other creditors are first served before the investors who invested via the crowdinvesting platform are compensated. This means that investors must always expect a total loss.

What factors influence the demand for real estate?

The demand for real estate depends on both the market and the location.

The main factors are:

• Economic factors: a healthy economy allows people to afford real estate, which can cause prices to rise in the market. This also attracts foreign investors.
• Demographic trends: A changing population structure also influences demand for real estate. Furthermore, a rising number of single households increases the demand for housing.
• Location: The residential value of a location has a particularly strong influence on demand. For example, if the property is located near recreational areas such as lakes or mountains, demand is high. Also, if many businesses have settled in a particular area and jobs are being created, this can lead to greater demand for real estate in that area.
• Infrastructure: more buyers are attracted by proximity to public transportation, schools, and cultural institutions.
• Tax policy: Certain government subsidies or tax benefits encourage investors to invest more in real estate.
• Interest rates: Low interest rates make it easier for potential buyers to take out loans and thus finance the purchase of a property. At the same time, investors in a low-interest phase are looking for alternatives to traditional interest-bearing investments.

For a secure capital investment: How to find the right property

When investing in a property, keep the following points in mind above all:

• Economic situation and attractiveness of the location (population development, labor market, range of schools, shopping facilities, recreational opportunities).
• Demand for rental housing in the region
• Development of real estate prices in the region
• General condition of the property and the building fabric
• If the property is rented: Checking the rental contract
• Determination of the yield (ratio of rents to purchase price)
• Determination of total costs (purchase price plus incidental acquisition costs and renovations, if applicable)
• Financing plan and monthly income statement

If the necessary real estate expertise is not available, an expert should be involved in the decision.

The purchase of real estate and financing

When investing in real estate, you should have equity of at least 20 percent of the purchase price. The more equity there is, the better the terms of financing. Pillar 2 and 3a assets cannot be used for rented properties.

When buying a property, there are incidental costs for the purchase in addition to the purchase price.

These are in Switzerland:

• Notary fees (0.1 to 0.5 percent of the purchase price)
• Change of ownership (for the transfer of ownership, the transfer of ownership tax is due, depending on the canton between 0 and 3.3 percent of the purchase price)
• Fees for land register entry (depending on the canton, 0.1 to 0.5 percent of the purchase price)
• Fees for land charge certificate (for the registration of the bank’s security, 0.1 to 0.3 percent of the mortgage debt)

Usually, except for the fees for the land charge certificate, the seller and buyer share the additional costs/ fees.

Example:

A house in Bern is purchased at a purchase price of CHF 1,000,000. A mortgage of 800,000 francs is taken out for the financing.

Fee or tax	Buyer	Seller
Notary fees	2‘500	2‘500
Real estate transfer tax	1‘800	1‘800
Land registry fees	1‘000	1‘000
Promissory note	2‘000
Total	7‘300

For the calculation, the usual rates in Bern were applied. In Bern, amounts above CHF 800,000 are subject to a transfer tax of 1.8 percent. Thus, in the example, the buyer incurs a total of 7,300 francs in additional costs.

Investment strategies for real estate

Within the real estate asset class, there are several investment strategies.

The main strategies are:

• Buy and Hold: The buy-and-hold strategy is classic for the private investor. The goal is an inflation-proof investment in a market with moderate fluctuations. Experience shows that the value increases over the years. The investor benefits from regular rental income.
• Fix and Flip: This involves buying a property, renovating it and selling it again at a profit. This strategy is usually only suitable for real estate professionals or tradesmen who can use their spare capacity to refurbish.
• Special types of real estate: Those with pronounced expertise in certain segments invest in specific areas, such as logistics or retail properties. This applies analogously to certain regions.
• Diversification with small amounts: Invest in different properties, each with manageable amounts, rather than in a single one. This works via indirect investments such as funds or ETFs.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What should be considered when taxing real estate?

The income from a property is subject to taxation. This results from the rental income (in the case of owner-occupied real estate, 60 or 70 percent of the notional rent) minus expenses such as maintenance and financing costs. If a profit is made when the property is sold (sales price less purchase price and expenses), real estate gains tax is due. The amount is regulated in the individual cantons and is lower the longer the property is held.

What return can I expect on an investment in real estate?

For residential real estate (apartments and houses), investors in Switzerland can expect a return of around four to five percent. For commercial properties, the return is around six to eight percent.

Under what conditions should I invest in real estate?

Equity capital of at least 20 percent of the purchase price should be available for the acquisition. Real estate as an investment makes sense if there are already assets in more liquid asset classes. As a security component of a balanced asset strategy, a direct investment in real estate is a good idea, provided you are prepared to look after your investment on an ongoing basis.

At present, movements on the stock markets are strongly influenced by current developments, including the war in Ukraine, tensions in international relations and the sharp rise in interest rates due to high inflation.

In order to better understand the interrelationships, it often helps to take a look at the past, which is why we would like to take a closer look at these in a review of the year 2022.

Rising inflation from 2021

In 2021, we still saw exceptionally good returns spurred by the further easing of the Corona crisis and global supply chains. As early as 2021, inflation in the US and also in Europe started to pick up and exceed the target rate of 2.0%. However, central banks did not see the need to intervene as inflation was seen as «transitory», i.e. only temporary. The expectation was that it would fall again as soon as the global economy normalized.

As we now know, this was not the case. The main reason for the high inflation was a sharp increase in demand for goods while supply could not keep up. This resulted in rising prices of raw materials and transportation, which in turn increased the production costs of companies.

When it became clear at the beginning of 2022 that inflation would continue to rise and the Ukraine crisis would worsen, the global financial markets corrected sharply. Growth stocks were hit particularly hard as market participants shifted from growth to value. This is mainly due to the fact that growth stocks are more vulnerable to general economic fluctuations and are often significantly leveraged. The expected increase in interest rates would therefore hit these companies particularly hard, as their financing costs would rise. The oil price also rose in March to a level of just under USD 128, which was only higher in the last 22 years at the time of the financial crisis.

Central banks react with interest rate hikes

At the beginning of March, the U.S. Federal Reserve raised interest rates for the first time by 0.25 percentage points. This marked the beginning of the steepest rate hike cycle in history.

In the months that followed, it then became clear that central banks around the world would aggressively raise rates in 0.50 to 0.75 increments to combat surging inflation. As a result of the rising interest rates, bond prices fell at the same time as equity prices. The stock market was rather burdened here by the fact that there was a risk of recession due to strong interest rate hikes. This was also a particular drag in 2022: bonds and equities, which are normally combined because they have a very low correlation, were now running in lockstep. The Swiss investment grade corporate bond index SBI, lost almost 12 percent in 2022, which is the biggest loss since the financial crisis.

Reading tip: The Evolution of the Correlation Between Stocks and Bonds

What was the impact at Everon?

At the end of 2021, our portfolios were still focused on growth, which had also given us an exceptional return in 2021. Then the relatively quick switch from growth to value at the beginning of 2022 cost us quite a bit of return right in the first month. Thus, January was also the worst month for us in the entire year.

Since our factor investing strategy is clearly systematic and focused on a long investment horizon, we do not try to time the market. So we adjusted our portfolios step by step to the changing market conditions, especially in terms of sectors. However, as there was a lot of uncertainty and volatility in the markets, especially in the first half of 2022, almost all sectors except the energy sector suffered due to rising energy prices. This ensured that the adjustment of the sectors did not have an immediate effect.

Our approach and avoidance of market timing also implies that we maintain Strategic Asset Allocation and do not actively overweight or underweight asset classes. We maintain a broadly diversified portfolio across many sectors and currencies even during times of crisis. The permitted ranges per sector and currency, however, may change depending on market conditions. All these measures are also aimed at keeping portfolio turnover and value fluctuation under control.

Since we always trade at certain intervals and our approach also has a certain short-term lag to fast events in the market, we accept certain movements in the market before steering against them. And even then, we make adjustments gradually, because our goal is not to time the market, but to achieve a high risk-adjusted return at all times. Reacting extremely to short-term developments increases the risk of «chasing the market», which comes from trying to time the market.

How did different sectors perform in 2022?

As we can see from the example of the S&P 500, consumer cyclicals, real estate, technology and telecom in particular lost a lot of value last year. This is not surprising, because consumer cyclicals are the first to suffer from a slump in consumer demand (which is what interest rate hikes are also trying to achieve), real estate companies have higher financing costs, and technology and telecom contain a large share of growth stocks and are sensitive to economic fluctuations.

Consumer staples, energy, healthcare and industrials were the best performing sectors in the S&P last year. These sectors are known to be defensive, which is why we want to focus on them again next year.

Which factors were good in 2022 and which were not?

The value factor, which focuses on the ratio of market to book value of a stock, is a clear winner of the last year. This makes sense, as this factor is used to buy stable and established companies that have relatively cheap valuations. However, this factor has performed rather moderately over the last 17 years.

The quality factor focuses on the operating profitability of a company and initially performed well, but tended to decline again in the second half of the year. This also speaks for the crisis mode that prevailed in the market. However, this factor also ensures an excess return in the long term.

The momentum factor turned from negative to positive last year. This can be explained by the fact that in simultaneously falling markets, the stocks that previously had good momentum lose more, as profits are more likely to be taken here. With the calming of the markets in the middle of the year, the momentum factor also works better again. This factor also ensures an excess return in the long term.

One factor that has given us an excess return in the past, but has contributed negatively in 2022 in particular, is the size factor. This factor gives us a higher weighting in small- and mid-cap stocks over the long term, which suffer more in times of crisis but perform better in normal times.

From the long-term implications mentioned above, the factors Momentum and Quality have the largest weightings in our model. However, these are finely adjusted on a monthly basis and adapted to developments. Again, we have the long time horizon in mind.

Challenges 2023

The year 2023 has started surprisingly well and we saw one of the strongest January rallies in recent years. Market participants assumed that interest rates would peak this March. However, recently released inflation and labor market numbers have turned unexpectedly «hot» again. This in combination with the rhetoric of the central banks has led to the markets becoming increasingly uncertain again about the end of the interest rate cycle. For this reason, we are currently seeing higher volatility in the markets again.

So far, all scenarios are still open, even the scenario of a so-called «soft landing», i.e. a minor impact on the economy due to increased interest rates, is still considered possible. In Europe in particular, economic indicators show a rather positive picture, with the probability increasing that a recession can be avoided here in 2023. However, the inverted yield curves in Europe and the U.S. indicate a recession, but no one knows exactly when and how severe it will be.

The current reporting season showed what many had already expected: The outlook of companies for this year is becoming increasingly gloomy. Many companies are experiencing further pressure on their margins because they cannot continue to pass on the high production or acquisition costs to customers on a one-to-one basis. In this way, they would risk a decline in demand that is too high. For example, the current Q4 2022 reporting season of S&P 500 companies was the second-worst since the 2008 financial crisis in terms of companies reporting positively above market expectations (Source: Earnings Insights February 17, 2023 by FactSet Research Systems Inc.). This suggests that analysts have not yet correctly revised their expectations downward.

In general, the first half of 2023 is expected to remain challenging and volatility is expected to remain elevated. The fact that market participants do not yet know exactly how strong the impact of high interest rates will ultimately be means that any positive or negative news can cause significant movement in the market. In the second half of the year, we expect that the market will then tend to move sideways or slightly upwards, as by that time far more information will be available on how the high interest rates will impact accordingly.

It is still important to remain cautious and not to be deceived by interim rallies.

Which sectors are interesting?

The financial sector is also affected by the risk of a recession, although this sector traditionally benefits from higher interest rates. Large financial institutions are massively increasing their loan provisions for potential loan defaults. Also, a recent quarterly report from a major credit card company in the U.S., shows that customer repayment behavior continues to deteriorate. This may be an indication that the default rate may increase, especially in the consumer credit sector. Nevertheless, this sector remains interesting for 2023, but it is important to focus on large and stable institutions (quality factor).

We also see the consumer staples and industrial sectors as good sectors for 2023, firstly because they are defensive sectors and secondly because they have been showing good momentum since last fall. The industrial sector is benefiting from the fact that the feared energy crisis has so far failed to materialize and commodity prices have leveled off again.

We tend to underweight the technology sector, as it is very volatile and highly sensitive to macroeconomic changes. We are also avoiding an excessive weighting in consumer cyclicals and real estate companies. These are weighed down by falling consumption on the one hand and high interest costs on the other.

However, in each sector there are individual stocks that may look attractive, it is just a matter of identifying them and investing in them, which is possible with our investment approach in direct investments. For this reason, we do not exclude any sector per se. For 2023, it is even more important to keep a broadly diversified portfolio, which is spread across sectors and currencies.

Continued focus on the momentum and quality factors

In 2023, we will continue to focus on the factors Momentum and Quality, as this combination is advantageous. Through Momentum, we identify those companies whose share price is starting to recover (positive momentum). Through Quality and other factors such as Risk or Value, we select those companies that have some substance. In this way, we focus the portfolios on quality and the lowest possible risk.

Which regions are interesting?

We believe our focus on Swiss equities will be particularly helpful in the first half of the year. As a country with low inflation and a stable economy, this brings a certain stability and quality to our portfolios. Also from a currency risk perspective, this makes perfect sense. North America and Europe will continue to be our main markets, but with an increased weight on Europe, as we have seen good momentum there again since last fall and the EUR is also gaining strength again. This is mainly due to the fact that company valuations in Europe appear more attractive, gas prices have fallen massively again and economic indicators are also proving to be more stable than in the US. In the USA, the indicators tend to deteriorate, whereupon earnings expectations will probably still have to be adjusted downwards a little in the first half of the year, which may lead to price losses.

Summary

The first half of 2023 remains challenging. We are focusing on more defensive sectors and keeping an eye on our Momentum, Quality, Size and Risk factors.

We see Europe and Asia as more attractive than the US and will adjust our foreign bias accordingly. It remains important to diversify well across regions, currencies and sectors, without betting too much on any single area. It is still important to maintain a long-term focus, which is why we remain true to our systematic strategy and adherence to asset allocation.

Prices for food, clothing and many other consumer goods are rising in Switzerland as they have not for years. The high rate of inflation is particularly noticeable for petroleum products, gas or automobiles. Due to the increase in ancillary costs, more money now also has to be spent on housing.

The term inflation is on everyone’s lips. Therefore, it is useful to be informed about the far-reaching meaning of inflation. What are the economic effects of inflation and how does Switzerland compare internationally? Being well informed makes it easier for private consumers to react prudently and skilfully.

The most important facts in brief

• Inflation refers to the general rate of price increase.
• Switzerland has the highest inflation rate in 14 years and yet one of the lowest internationally.
• Investors can avoid losses by adjusting their investment strategy.
• A low but constant inflation rate around 2 percent is healthy for the economy.

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Inflation explained simply

Inflation is an economic term describing a sustained increase in the general price level for goods and services in an economy over a given period of time.

In Switzerland, it is determined by the national consumer price index (CPI). The index is based on the development of prices in the twelve main expenditure categories of Swiss households. The monthly update is based on the prices of a reference year.

The Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) for international comparison

Since 2008, the Swiss Federal Statistical Office has published the harmonized index of consumer prices (HICP) according to the criteria of the European Union. This HICP is an important component of the CPI and is used to compare inflation rates in EU countries, Norway and Iceland.

Inflation as a component of economic policy

In the short term, increasing the money supply and thus raising inflation can be an effective way to stimulate the economy. Demand for goods and services increases as people’s purchasing power is initially increased. In the long term, however, too much inflation is harmful, as real income declines again as a result of inflation. As demand then falls again in the course of time, companies are forced to cut costs. This is often accompanied by a higher unemployment rate.

The consequences of inflation for consumers

As a consumer, you experience the following negative impact in particular as a result of inflation: you can consume less for the same amount of money. Let’s take a cake from the pastry chef as a practical example, which used to cost thirty francs and now costs sixty francs. This means that the franc has lost half of its purchasing power in that case. Other terms for this are devaluation of money or reduction of purchasing power.

Inflation often also gives the feeling that something has become more expensive, which is referred to as “perceived inflation”. Finally, it is not always easy to keep track of which products or services are affected and what percentage increase has occurred.

Likewise, inflation impacts your investment strategy as well as your retirement savings. After all, with a return below the rate of inflation, your retirement savings are effectively devalued instead of increased.

Slight inflation is economically healthy and therefore desired

Inflation has a significant impact on a country’s labor sector, income and wealth distribution, and economic development. When inflation is low, between zero and two percent, it stimulates demand as buyers want to buy or invest with their money. However, when inflation is high, money loses value faster than goods, leading to a decline in real wages. Holders of savings accounts, as well as fixed-income securities such as bonds, are on the losing side, as their assets are worth less. First, the government benefits to some extent, as the real value of its debt falls.

Inflation in Switzerland in a global comparison

Many experts believe that the indicators in both Europe and Switzerland are showing a turnaround and that stronger price stability is to be expected. At 2.8 percent annual inflation, Switzerland is doing quite well. Inflation for domestic goods was as low as 1.9 percent. This means that a considerable part of the inflation is imported as a result of higher prices abroad.

As far as Germany is concerned, it should currently be noted that the lower inflation rate in December was exclusively attributable to lower energy prices. However, this was due to the fact that the government took over the advance payments for gas supplies in this month.

Inflation rates internationally

In order to be able to better classify inflation in Switzerland as well as in the euro area, below are the inflation rates of some selected countries (annual basis, as of 02.02.2023):

• Turkey: 64.27 percent
• Great Britain: 10.51 percent
• Germany: 9.91 percent
• Eurozone: 9.19 percent
• USA: 6.45 percent
• Switzerland: 2.84 percent

When looking at the annual figures, it should be noted that inflation is currently falling in Germany, the USA and Switzerland. This also applies to the average inflation rate in the euro zone.

Crisis in Turkey began after the interest rate cut

Economists attribute the exploding inflation in Turkey to the extremely loose monetary policy of the Turkish central bank. The problems for the country worsened increasingly since the interest rate cuts in September 2021. When inflation is high, central banks should actually counteract it with higher interest rates, but this is not done in Turkey for political reasons. The Turkish lira has depreciated sharply, making imports more expensive – especially in the energy and raw materials sectors.

Low inflation rate in Switzerland – why?

Even though the inflation rate has reached the highest level in 14 years, many Europeans dream of such low inflation.

The main reasons for this are:

• Switzerland has a strong currency: if the franc appreciates, this makes imported goods cheaper for consumers.
• Swiss food prices are decoupled from the world market: Import duties on foreign agricultural products that are also produced in Switzerland protect Swiss vegetable farmers from foreign countries. Only in the event of a poor harvest at home are tariffs temporarily reduced to ensure supplies.
• Electricity requirements are mainly covered by hydropower and nuclear power: Only in winter does Switzerland have to import further electricity from abroad.
• Interest rate level: By keeping interest rates comparatively low, the Swiss National Bank (SNB) prevents capital inflows from exceeding capital outflows and thus dampens inflationary pressure.
• Low government debt: Government debt, measured as a percentage of gross domestic product, is around 95 percent in the euro area in 2021. In Switzerland, it was only 42 percent. This reduces the pressure on the central bank to increase the money supply in order to keep interest rates low.
• Stable economic and banking system: As a small country, Switzerland faces strong competition from surrounding countries. This has always driven innovation. Likewise, the moderate wage-price spiral is currently paying off.

What factors influence inflation?

It is not one factor alone that is responsible for the increase in inflation; rather, it is often a combination of circumstances.

The following factors contribute to increased inflation:

• Money supply: if the money supply, i.e. the money in circulation, is increased more than the production rate, this leads to inflation through a demand pull. In that case, too many francs are available for too few products.
• Demand: If the demand for certain products is greater than the supply, this leads to increased price increases.
• Costs: If labor costs and material costs (for example, for construction materials) rise, these cost increases are passed on to consumers.
• Devaluation: If a country’s own currency is devalued, this makes exports cheaper. At the same time, however, foreign products become more expensive in the country, causing inflation to rise.
• Wage increases: If wages rise too much, this ends up affecting products through high cost increases. This is also referred to as the wage-price spiral.
• Political measures: Political measures can also stimulate inflation. This is the case, for example, when tax subsidies trigger extreme demand for certain products and prices rise as a result when supply is tight.

Background to the current situation

In the euro area, increased demand for classic consumer goods such as flour, pasta or toilet paper emerged at the beginning of the Corona crisis. After retail inventories were depleted, the supply of various raw materials such as wood or metal stalled. Production thus became more expensive. At the same time, the low interest rate policy was massively continued in order to support the economy during the difficult phase of the lockdown. Thus, the money supply was significantly increased.

In spring 2022, the Ukraine war led to a further acceleration of inflation for two reasons:

• The yield losses caused by Ukraine’s agriculture led to food shortages around the world.
• Furthermore, the gas embargoes against Russia led to increased energy costs, which increased production costs.

Reading tip: Forecast cryptocurrencies: Is the risk calculable?

Effects of Inflation from the Perspective of Savers and Investors

Inflation affects the value of money by reducing purchasing power, and therefore should have an impact on the financial decisions of savers and investors.

The impact of inflation on savings accounts

Those who choose savings accounts and time deposits face low interest rates of less than one percent when inflation is high, if interest is still paid at all. This means that even the most favorable bank offers have little real value.

Example: Of an initial balance of 50,000 francs, only around 47,000 francs of real purchasing power will be left after two years at an inflation rate of three percent if your money is sitting in accounts without interest. The effects of inflation are often overlooked because most people only pay attention to the nominal figures.

Central banks usually decide to raise key interest rates to counter inflation. However, these key interest rate increases are often not passed on to consumers by commercial banks in the same amount and also with a time lag. This can lead to a negative real interest rate. This is the situation we are currently seeing.

The impact of inflation on credit

Inflation causes debt to lose value, just as assets lose value. For this reason, borrowers with long-term fixed interest rates are the main winners of inflation. However, new borrowers often face higher financing costs due to the effect of increased interest rates to combat inflation.

Strategies for dealing with inflation

It is important for savers and investors to invest their money in a way that provides a return that is higher than the rate of inflation. There are a variety of financial investments that outpace inflation, including stocks and real assets. These investments not only provide a higher rate of return, but also offer some protection when prices for goods and services skyrocket.

The impact of inflation on bond prices

As already seen in the causes, rising inflation is often preceded by a massive increase in the money supply. This means interest rates keep falling. For bonds, this means that newly issued bonds will have a lower interest rate. Meanwhile, existing bonds become more interesting because they still offer a higher interest rate. As a result, prices on the stock markets are rising.

Here, however, investors must not miss the turnaround in interest rates. If interest rates rise again, the prices of the supposedly safe bonds fall. It is also relevant here whether bonds with fixed or variable coupon payments are involved.

The impact of inflation on share prices

Even in times of inflation, you may even be able to make a profit on your assets if you pick the right funds and stocks. If you choose an area of stable value, you can protect your money from loss due to inflation. However, it’s important to know that not all types of real assets offer protection against inflation.

In times of rising inflation, consumer staples stocks, for example, have performed well. These companies are more likely to be able to pass on increased prices to consumers. Stocks on cyclical goods such as cars tend to perform poorly. In these sectors, falling consumption is the first to be felt as a result of higher interest rates.

Reading tip: Pillar 3a funds: tips, return opportunities

The impact of inflation on the real estate market

Since 1998, real estate prices in Switzerland have almost doubled. The market was further fueled primarily by low interest rates on mortgages. Investing in real estate thus became affordable for many, as interest rates for mortgages were at an all-time low.

In the meantime, however, many experts say that the zenith of the real estate market has been reached. Since interest rates started to rise again, demand for real estate has slowed. After all, an interest rate differential of two percent on a mortgage of over 200,000 francs translates into an additional monthly burden of over 330 francs.

Nevertheless, an investment in real estate stands above all for security and a massive slump is therefore not to be expected. Thus, real estate is still an essential building block within a balanced investment strategy. As an investor, however, you should be more cautious in the meantime with pure yield real estate, because above all the costs are rising. As a rule, however, the values of real estate move with inflation.

How can I best protect my assets from high inflation?

As can already be seen in the individual segments, returns above the inflation rate are only still possible with tangible assets. The advantage of tangible assets is that they cannot become completely worthless.

Nevertheless, investors should not do without their safe reserves in the form of savings accounts or call money accounts. This not only prepares you for purchases that are necessary in the short term, but also allows you to flexibly enter the stock market when opportunities arise.

The following investments are therefore particularly suitable as protection against high inflation:

• Equity funds: The risk is manageable with an investment horizon of ten years or more. Broadly diversified and globally invested funds as well as ETFs are best suited.
• Real estate: Owning your own home is a safe and popular component of investment. The security is always determined by the type of financing. You can therefore calculate best if you secure low interest rates for a mortgage in the long term. Furthermore, real estate as a pure capital investment is only advisable if you already have a well-positioned financial investment.
• Precious metals: Especially in times of crisis, gold is a popular investment. Precious metals actually represent a real value that will never expire. Please note, however, that precious metals are unlikely to generate long-term returns. Therefore, only an admixture is recommended.
• Inflation-indexed bonds: There are bonds whose coupon amount is linked to a consumer price index. Thus, the coupon payments increase with inflation and offer a certain protection against it.

Reading tip: Private financial planning – how to achieve your individual goals

The historical development of inflation in Switzerland

The Swiss national consumer price index (CPI) provides information on the inflation of consumer goods. This index indicates how much these goods have become more expensive compared with the previous month, the previous year or the same month of the previous year. It is a significant economic indicator and is regularly used in politics and economics.

According to figures from the Swiss Federal Statistical Office, there have been the following inflation rates in Switzerland in recent years:

• 2022: 2.8 percent
• 2021: 0.6 percent
• 2020: -0.7 percent
• 2019: 0.4 percent
• 2018: 0.9 percent
• 2017: 0.5 percent

Exploding inflation rates in Switzerland in the 1970s and during World War I – why?

There was a major inflation period in Switzerland during World War I (1914 – 1918). The cause was the enormous cost increases for national defense. The federal government reacted with extraordinary tax increases and an increasing indebtedness on the capital market. But the longer the war lasted, the more the circulation of money increased. The inflation rate rose to over 20 percent. Purchasing power fell, as wage increases could not compensate for this.

Today, the money supply has also been expanded, but to stabilize the exchange rate and not to finance government spending. Thus, this does not create inflation.

The inflation rates in the 1970s of up to twelve percent can be explained by the expansive monetary policy of the USA. Due to the fixed exchange rates, this had worldwide repercussions.

After Switzerland decoupled from the fixed exchange rate system in 1973 and revalued the Swiss franc, inflation rates returned to normal after a certain time.

Since there is no longer a fixed exchange rate system on the international scene, Switzerland does not have to worry about adopting inflation. So a lot has to happen for Switzerland to experience such inflation again. And even if the episodes from the past were to repeat themselves, it would take several years for a comparable situation to occur.

Forecasts assume that inflation in Switzerland will continue to fall

According to the forecast published in December 2022 by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), consumer prices in Switzerland will rise by 2.2 percent year-on-year in 2023. Inflation expected in 2024 is 1.5 percent, according to SECO. Accordingly, the peak of inflation has probably been passed.

Reading tip: Switzerland’s 3-pillar principle

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Can inflation be broken down into individual areas?

As the evaluations of the FSO show, a considerable part of inflation in Switzerland results from price increases of imported goods. Also, consumer goods and energy costs do not develop in the same way. As a consumer, it is therefore advisable to take a look at your “personal shopping basket“. In this way, it quickly becomes clear which investment makes sense and which would be better postponed, if possible.

What options does the state have to respond to inflation?

One of the decisive measures taken by the state is to raise interest rates through the central bank in order to reduce the money supply. Accompanying this, relief packages for citizens are sometimes adopted. For the economy, subsidies may be adopted to mitigate an increase in costs.

What does «hidden inflation» mean?

In this case, there is already inflation, but it has not yet been publicly recognized. The reasons for this may be government measures that temporarily prevent a price increase.

What is meant by deflation and stagnation?

In economics, deflation means the opposite of inflation. In other words, prices fall significantly and over a longer period of time. This is caused by an oversupply of goods and services. Stagnation is the expression for an economic standstill, where there is no economic growth.

Why does deflation have more serious consequences than inflation?

Sharply falling prices characterize deflation and are an exception. This situation is much more critical than inflation. The reason is that under these conditions, an economic recession usually announces itself, since companies can no longer cover their costs, which would result in unemployment.

Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) have become one of the most popular and affordable investment options on the financial market for years. They offer private investors a cost-effective way to invest in a broad range of assets. ETFs are considered easy to use and transparent. They also allow investors to invest in different asset classes such as stocks, commodities or bonds.

But what exactly is an ETF? How does it work and what do I need to consider when investing in ETFs? You don’t need to be a stock market expert to invest your money in ETFs. This article will provide you with essential and useful information on the subject.

The most important facts in brief

• As simply structured and transparent funds, ETFs are also suitable for beginners.
• Investing in exchange traded funds incurs lower fees than actively managed funds.
• ETFs give investors access to a wide range of different markets, regions and asset classes.
• As an exchange-traded security, ETFs offer high liquidity.
• Comparison is important: ETFs can have different performance even if they track the same index.

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ETF: Definition and explanation

ETF means Exchange Traded Funds. It is a fund that usually tracks a securities index as closely as possible (physically or synthetically) and tracks its performance. With these securities, investors have the easy opportunity to invest in numerous asset classes such as bonds, commodities and stocks.

Via ETFs, they can invest in various country indices, for example from Switzerland, Germany, the USA or Japan. It is also possible to invest in regional indices that track the European or American stock market, for example. In addition, ETFs can be found that follow current investment trends such as sustainability, health or digitalization.

Comparison of classic funds with ETFs

ETFs can generally be traded on the stock exchange as well as over the counter. Since they are often linked to a given index, they are passive forms of investment that merely track the performance of their underlying. To put it another way: If the value of the index increases, the value of the ETF also increases. Meanwhile, however, there are also active ETFs that do not simply track an index but are actively managed.

As with a conventional fund, the investment in an ETF also represents special assets. Therefore, you are not affected by the insolvency of the provider.

However, there is a significant difference between a conventional investment fund and most ETFs. In contrast to ETFs, conventional investment funds try to achieve a higher performance than their reference index. This requires ongoing research and rebalancing of holdings within the fund as needed.

ETFs, on the other hand, usually just try to track the underlying index exactly, eliminating the need for costly management.

Rapid development

After the first ETFs hit the U.S. stock exchanges in 1993, trading in Europe followed in 1999. Thereafter, the financial instrument developed rapidly. In 2000, the first ETFs were offered in Switzerland. In the meantime, more than 1,500 products are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange.

Advantages and disadvantages of exchange traded funds

ETFs offer the following advantages in particular:

• Low total expense ratio: ETFs have much lower costs compared to actively managed funds. You save the initial sales charge, ongoing management fees are lower, and transaction costs are usually less frequent.
• Flexibility and liquidity: ETFs are liquid investment products that can be bought and sold during stock exchange trading hours – just like stocks.
• Transparency: To see the composition of an ETF, it is usually enough to look at the relevant index.
• Security: As with classic funds, investments in an ETF are special assets.
• Diversification: As an investor, you do not have to buy every one of the 20 stocks in the Swiss stock index SMI, for example. Rather, with shares in an ETF targeting the SMI, you can bet on all SMI stocks in a single transaction.

Invest in 1,600 companies simultaneously with one ETF

ETFs make it easy for you to build a diversified portfolio where risk can be minimized by having a very broad market. When you buy an ETF on the global index MSCI World, you get access to over 1,600 companies around the world. ETFs thus allow investors to spread their capital across a wide range of investment targets, ensuring a good balance of opportunities and risks. They also always have a clear idea of what they are investing in: A quick glance at the current structure of the respective index is enough.

ETFs also have some disadvantages that potential investors should be aware of before choosing this form of investment. Among the disadvantages are:

• Lack of investment management: since ETFs are passively managed funds, there is no active intervention from fund managers. This can result in poorer performance results for the ETF compared to other actively managed funds. This can be particularly the case in highly volatile markets.
• No consideration of personal investment objectives: ETFs strictly follow an index. This means that you either bet on this index or not. Individualization of your investment is therefore ruled out for the part of your assets invested in ETFs.
• Limited counterparty risk with synthetic ETFs: With synthetic ETFs, you do not invest directly in the securities contained in the index. Instead, swaps (exchanges) are used to virtually replicate the index. However, this transaction involves counterparty risk, as it is dependent on the counterparties being able to meet the obligations they have entered into.

However, the risks for investors are limited by the European rules that regulate investment funds. Accordingly, the value of a swap may not exceed ten percent of the fund’s assets.

These ETFs are particularly popular with investors

Among ETFs, equity ETFs dominate. Investors thus pursue a global investment strategy, effectively spreading risks in the portfolio. To supplement the equity component in the portfolio, investors prefer to buy ETFs that track bond indices. Thus, bond ETFs rank second in the popularity scale of investors. In the case of commodities, the term ETCs is used (Exchange Traded Commodities). These are often physically backed by the corresponding precious metals. Here, ETCs on gold are in first place.

The most popular ETFs and ETCs track the following indices and prices:

• Equity ETFs: MSCI World (around 1,600 stocks), S&P 500 (500 largest U.S. exchange-traded companies).
• Bond ETFs: Barclays Capital Euro Corporate Bond Index (global bonds, mainly corporate), JP Morgan Emerging Markets Bond Index Global Core Index (mainly US dollar government bonds from emerging markets)
• ETCs: Gold (bonds, physically backed by gold, based on the current gold price, the so-called gold spot price)

ETF Switzerland: Swiss like to invest in companies in their home country

In addition to ETFs that track the MSCI World, Swiss prefer to invest in ETFs that track the SMI and SMIM. The SMI (Swiss Market Index) is the most important stock index in Switzerland and includes the blue chips. The SMIM comprises 30 mid-cap stocks listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange. For Swiss investors, it is worthwhile to purchase ETFs on Swiss indices from a provider with fund domicile in Switzerland, as these are tax-privileged compared to foreign providers.

Reading tip: More on pillar 3a funds

These segments can be invested in with ETFs

If you not only want to diversify broadly, but also prefer certain segments or regions, exchange traded funds offer you a wide selection for this purpose. In the table below you can see a selection of the main selection options.

ETF Alignment	Examples
Asset class	Shares, bonds, precious metals
Indexes	MSCI World, S&P 500, SMI, DAX
Regions	Global, Europe, Emerging Markets
Countries	Switzerland, Germany, USA
Topics	Biotechnology, climate change, robotics
Industries	Industry, Retail, Technology
Strategy	Dividenden, Large Caps, Small Caps
Commodities	All precious metals, gold, platinum

Fees for ETFs

When you buy ETFs, you initially pay only the bank’s order fees, stamp duties and usually a small spread (difference between the buying and selling price). With actively managed funds, on the other hand, an issue surcharge of up to five percent can be incurred at this point, as is well known.

At around 0.20 to 0.70 percent, the management costs are also significantly lower than those of actively managed funds, where you usually have to expect at least one percent. You can read about the total expense ratio (TER) in the securities prospectus. However, the costs listed there do not include the transaction costs incurred by the fund when trading securities.

In addition to the total costs, there are the custody fees charged by your bank.

Investing with ETFs: Here’s what you should look out for

Below are some key points to look out for when deciding to invest in an ETF:

• Consider your own financial knowledge: For investors who have little in-depth knowledge in a particular area, it is often better to opt for broader indexes. These diversify your portfolio across many sectors and regions and help reduce risk. You should also make sure that the composition of the ETF fits the strategy you are trying to achieve. Some ETFs invest in small companies or emerging markets, while others follow a broader approach.
• Check if total expense ratio is within normal range: Generally, ETF management fees range from 0.20 to 0.70 percent per year. In recent years, the industry has launched a product whose design is a mix between active and passive fund management. Active ETFs take a specific index as a model, but do not replicate it exactly. Rather, fund managers attempt to beat that index in terms of performance. However, these ETFs have a higher total expense ratio due to management costs. Whether the fund managers actually beat the index is, of course, still an open question.
• ETF Volume: Fund volume is an indicator to determine whether an ETF is established in the market or not. If an exchange-traded index fund has a volume of 100 million euros or more, its profitability is considered safe.
• ETF savings plans: Savings plans are not offered for all ETFs. However, they allow investors to easily make regular deposits in order to accumulate assets. This makes a higher return feasible than can be expected from a conventional interest account, even if the value of the assets may fluctuate in the meantime.
• Sustainability: In addition to actively managed funds, ETFs always allow you to invest according to ESG criteria.

Reading tip: How to design your private financial planning

Investing in Exchange Traded Funds – Step by Step

Now that you have learned about the essential basics, your investment in ETFs can be implemented in just a few steps:

First step: Determine your investment strategy

After you have looked at the possible segments, decide on the investment strategy you want. So, for example, choose whether you want to invest in the stock market. Do you prefer global diversification or stocks of Swiss companies? Should certain sectors such as technology dominate or do you see higher opportunities in topics such as robotics?

The Swiss Exchange offers more than 1,500 ETFs that invest in various asset classes, markets and currencies, allowing you to implement your preferred investment strategy.

Second step: Choose an index

To get a feel for the performance of an ETF, it is best to look at the returns achieved by the index behind it. In doing so, you should look at as long a time period as possible.

Furthermore, an understanding of how the index is calculated and its composition is important. Often, stocks are weighted by their market value. If you buy an ETF on such an index, you must not lose sight of the associated cluster risk. For example, the three large corporations Nestlé, Novartis and Roche make up about half of the index in the SMI.

Third step: Select provider for ETF savings plan or one-off investment

Once you have decided on an investment strategy and a specific index, look for an ETF on the market that tracks this index. Also keep in mind that not all ETFs offer savings plans if you decide to invest regularly with a savings plan.

Fourth step: Compare tracking quality

For ETFs on a specific index, compare the return with the return of the index, as there can be differences of several percentage points. For the comparison to be realistic, the ETF and index must either both reinvest any income, such as dividends, or both distribute it (performance index vs. price index).

Fifth step: Compare total annual costs

The annual costs incurred by an ETF are indicated by the total expense ratio (TER). This ratio includes management fees as well as costs for advertising and distributing the ETF. You can find the TER in the ETF’s monthly report.

Sixth step: Consider taxes and transaction costs

When choosing an ETF, investors should always consider where the fund is domiciled. A poor fund domicile can result in a reduced return from a tax perspective, as withholding taxes can reduce returns.

There are fees associated with buying as well as selling an ETF, which are especially significant if you do a lot of buying and selling. If you intend to trade your ETFs more frequently, you should therefore pay attention to low spread costs (difference between buying and selling price).

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Which ETFs are particularly popular with investors?

Among the most popular ETFs are those that are based on the global equity index MSCI World. In the case of bond ETFs, corporate bonds have been preferred as a basis in recent years. In addition, gold ETFs play a role as a security component.

What fees should I expect with ETFs?

Apart from the usual custody fees charged by your bank, there are only minor transaction costs when trading (small spread, the difference between buying and selling price). Experience shows that the total management costs for the ETF, which the provider takes from the fund assets, amount to around 0.50 to 0.70 percent of the fund assets.

How are ETFs treated for tax purposes?

Income from passive funds such as exchange traded funds (ETFs) is taxed as income and the assets invested in ETFs are taxed as wealth tax. For income tax purposes, it makes no difference whether the ETF distributes or reinvests income. However, accumulating ETFs must report the accrued income separately, which is usually done for ETFs listed on the Swiss stock exchange. You can see which income from ETFs is taxed in the price list of the Swiss Federal Tax Administration.

What is meant by accumulating and what does distributing mean?

Distributing means that income is paid directly to the investor. Accumulating, on the other hand, means that income from a fund is not distributed to investors but reinvested in the fund.

What does direct or indirect replication mean?

A physical ETF (direct replication) replicates an index by actually buying the securities of the index it tracks and holding them in the fund. A synthetic ETF (indirect replication) uses various financial products (e.g. swaps) instead of actually purchased shares to replicate the performance of the index. So there is an additional so-called counterparty, usually the issuer’s parent bank, with whom a “swap” is agreed.

What is the difference between ETFs and index funds?

The fundamental difference between these product types is that ETFs are traded on the stock exchange and can therefore be bought and sold on a continuous basis. With index funds, on the other hand, buying and selling only takes place once a day via the fund provider.

There are many convincing reasons to look into the possibilities of investing money. These include exciting travel destinations, a good education for the children and, above all, being able to look to the financial future without worries. But an efficient investment strategy has to be learned.

Use this article to find out about the main investment solutions and identify the investment strategy that is right for you.

The most important facts in brief

• An investment strategy is optimal when it best suits the investor.
• Diversification can reduce risks.
• Investing money regularly over the long term is the safest way to build up wealth.
• Digitization enables investment advice for broad segments of the population.

Investing money in Switzerland: an overview of investment forms

When it comes to the question of the right form of investment, there is less of a distinction between good and bad. Which financial product makes sense for you to invest in depends much more on your investment horizon, the timing and, in particular, your personal risk tolerance. In addition, your financial requirements also determine the optimal investment strategy. However, in order to be able to make the right investment decision at any time, you should be informed about all essential forms of investment.

1. Call money and time deposit

Overnight money is a safe and flexible investment that complements your checking account. In a call money account, you deposit money that you would like to have at your disposal at any time. However, with the start of the low-interest phase, many banks have discontinued their offers for call money. While offers are now on the rise again in other European countries, they are limited in Switzerland and hardly any significant interest can be expected. In addition, offers for call money tend to appeal to well-off investors due to the minimum sum of CHF 100,000 that is often required.

While the interest rate on overnight deposits can change at any time, the interest rate on time deposits is guaranteed during the term of the deposit. Time deposits, also known as term money, are therefore suitable as an investment for funds that you only need in the medium term. In Switzerland, time deposits are usually offered with terms of 3 to 24 months. Security and the ability to plan are the main features of this type of investment. However, you cannot currently expect more than one percent interest for this investment. Therefore, it is not suitable as an investment for long-term wealth accumulation.

2. Bonds

Bonds are issued by companies or governments as a source of financing and are usually rather low-risk investments for investors in comparison. They belong to the group of fixed-interest securities. The issuer undertakes to pay out the capital plus the agreed interest at maturity. In Switzerland, private investors often invest in so-called medium-term notes. The issuers are the public sector and credit institutions. Medium-term notes are offered with maturities of up to ten years. So if you only need or want to get your invested money back within the next ten years, bonds are a possible form of investment.

3. Shares

By investing in shares, you become a direct shareholder in a company. As a shareholder, you share in the profits of the company. This share is paid out as a dividend. The return prospects for shares are promising in the long term. However, the possible price fluctuations must be taken into account.

Investing in individual shares requires not only a sound know-how but also an enormous time commitment. You should have sufficient knowledge of the markets in which you invest. In addition, stock market trading requires sound research as well as an assessment of company key figures.

To make the risk involved in trading stocks calculable, you should only invest that part of your assets in stocks that you can do without for a longer period of time. You must also be able to deal with short-term losses on individual stocks. Basically, the more specialized and narrow the markets are, the higher the risk. In this respect, the strategy must distinguish between promising short-term price opportunities and long-term investments in established companies with possible regular dividend payments. In the past, those who follow the basic rules for investing in the stock market have always been able to achieve returns well above savings interest rates for terms of ten years or more.

Reading-Tip: Investment Strategy in Focus: The Power of Income Strategy

4. Funds

Fund companies invest the money paid in by investors in various securities from different markets. The assets represent a so-called special asset, which is held in trust at a bank. This means that they are managed separately from the company’s assets and are therefore protected in the event of the fund company’s insolvency. Fund units can be returned to the fund company at the current price. When purchased, there is usually an issue surcharge and the fund company takes an annual management fee for its management.

Each fund invests in defined target markets. These can be, for example, global companies, high-opportunity companies in emerging markets or companies in the healthcare sector. This gives you the option of investing primarily in certain markets or diversifying your investment worldwide.

For long-term asset accumulation, fund savings plans with fixed monthly installments are suitable. This allows you to take advantage of the cost-average effect: when prices are low, you buy a higher number of units, and when prices are high, you buy a lower number.

Compared to investing in individual shares, there are the following advantages in particular:

• With a fund share, you invest in a large number of companies at the same time.
• The fund management takes care of buying and selling the individual securities.
• Risk diversification is made much easier with a fund.
• With fund savings plans, you save regularly and invest in the capital market for the long term.

Investing in funds is also a long-term investment. When making comparisons, therefore, pay primary attention to long-term performance.

5. ETFs

The principle of ETFs is initially the same as that of a “normal fund”. The main difference is that ETFs are not actively managed. Simply put, an ETF copies the composition of an index. This saves costs, which has made ETFs very popular in recent years.

For example, if you want to invest broadly in large and medium-sized companies worldwide, invest in an ETF that tracks the MSCI World Index. This index tracks about 1,500 stocks from over 20 countries. It is therefore considered a basic investment, even for beginners.

In a long-term comparison, investors have been able to generate returns of around six to nine percent in recent decades with a broad-based ETF such as the MSCI World.

6. Real Estate

The real estate market has only known one direction in recent years: up. Low interest rates have led investors to increasingly look for alternatives to safe savings investments. Because of the low interest rates on loans, many buyers have taken on high debts.

Real estate is also considered quite crisis-proof in Switzerland, especially in the preferred locations. However, this has caused real estate prices to literally skyrocket. The home ownership rate in Switzerland is therefore low, at around 35 percent, even by international standards.

If you invest in an owner-occupied home, you are protected against rent increases and terminations. This value will benefit you in retirement in the form of saved rent. If you purchase a property in order to rent it out, you will generate rental income in retirement and thus additional income, provided the debts for the property have been repaid.

The investment in land is considered solid and safe. Nevertheless, the term itself expresses that it is not a flexible investment – it is “immobile”. That means real estate is a way to diversify your portfolio. However, keep in mind that your life plans may change and also, for example, a change of location for professional reasons may make sense. In addition, initially, due to the high real estate prices in Switzerland, a high equity investment is required. Triggered by the ECB’s interest rate adjustments, the real estate market also seems to be calming down somewhat at the moment. You should therefore not necessarily assume further annual price increases above seven percent for your investments, as has often been the case in recent years.

7. Precious Metals (Gold & co.)

Gold, silver, platinum and other precious metals are not only among the oldest forms of investment. They are also considered a crisis-proof investment. At the outbreak of the pandemic, the price of a troy ounce of gold therefore rose to over 2,000 dollars by the summer of 2020. But the stock market recovered from its slump quickly thereafter. At the same time, the price of gold fell again to around 1,700 dollars at the end of 2020. It is now (as of January 2023) around 1,900 dollars per troy ounce.

Experience shows that precious metals do not generate returns. You should take this into account in your considerations if you are interested in the supposedly safe investment. Overall, precious metals are therefore only recommended as an admixture and diversification of your assets.

8. Cryptocurrencies

In addition to Bitcoin, the first and largest cryptocurrency, there are now a large number of digital currencies worldwide. They are based on blockchain technology and, compared to conventional currencies, therefore only exist as data within a global computer network. For private investors, these investments represent an extremely speculative investment alternative.

The cryptocurrency Bitcoin has been around for over 10 years. Nevertheless, cryptocurrencies are not officially recognized currencies. For digital money, you first need a digital wallet. Trading is then done on one of the crypto exchanges.

The risk of cryptocurrencies is enormous, because no government guarantees the value of cryptocurrencies. Currently, cryptocurrencies can therefore not be classified as a safe investment and are not suitable for retirement planning.

If you are interested in cryptocurrencies despite the high risks, consider the following points:

• The prices of cryptocurrencies are very volatile. Exclusively supply and demand determine the price.
• New and small cryptocurrencies are particularly risky, as they may not continue due to lack of capital.
• Since cryptocurrencies are not regulated, there is no overarching supervision. Thus, there is a lack of any investor protection, such as deposit insurance.
• Countries sometimes react with reservations towards digital currencies. In China, for example, crypto trading is prohibited. The European Central Bank is considering its own digital currency, which would weaken the other cryptocurrencies.

9. Foreign Currency

Trading in currencies (foreign exchange trading) is highly speculative – exchange rates can fluctuate enormously. In addition to direct foreign exchange trading, foreign currency accounts are also offered for investments such as time deposits or bonds. Please note that you bear a double risk. In addition to the issuer risk, there is also the exchange rate risk. This means that even small fluctuations in exchange rates can wipe out interest rate advantages. In addition, foreign currency bonds are often only traded on the stock exchange to a limited extent, which can mean unfavorable prices when sold.

The price development of currencies depends in particular on the following factors within the respective country:

• economic stability
• political stability
• risk of inflation
• national debt

10. Private Markets

Private markets are investments that are not traded on a stock exchange, i.e. are not publicly available.

They are as follows:

• Private Equity: investments in unlisted companies.
• Private Debt: unlisted debt securities.
• Private Infrastructure: Investments in infrastructure assets such as water supply, waste disposal, bridges or hospitals.
• Private Equity Real Estate: Investments in real estate in all sectors.

Private Markets has long been the preserve of institutional investors, but has now grown in importance among high net worth private investors. It involves risk capital. The high potential returns are offset by the risk of total loss. Therefore, the investment form serves as an admixture to optimize returns for very large assets.

11. Invest money through asset managers

It is no longer necessary to be a millionaire to invest your money professionally. Digitization and the use of funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are opening up wealth management solutions to a broad public. Finally, investing money profitably requires time, which is not sufficiently available to everyone.

Nowadays, it is possible for everyone to make use of professional asset management – also known as asset management. Depending on the provider, you can start with an amount of about 30,000 francs. Fees have also become affordable for asset managers with a digital approach.

Professional asset managers start with the analysis

Experienced investment advisors will first determine your needs.

This involves clarifying the following points, among others:

• How much risk are you able to take?
• What level of risk are you willing to take?
• What is your investment horizon?

Based on the analysis, the asset management company will submit an individual investment strategy to you. The following basic orientations are possible:

• conservative (low share of equities, low risk of loss, lower return prospects)
• balanced (medium share of equities and medium risk)
• aggressive (higher share of equities, higher return prospects, higher risk)

In practice, you may find further, finer gradations.

Investing Money Efficiently: How to Find Your Personal Investment Strategy

Studies show that most of the long-term return is determined by the strategy you choose. It is important that you stick to the chosen strategy over the long term. So make sure that the investment strategy suits you and your personal circumstances. The following sections will help you find your investment strategy.

Portfolio theory: Spreading assets – optimizing return and risk

If you have studied investment strategies a bit more intensively, you have already come across the hint that you should diversify your assets. But what does diversify mean and what mix makes sense?

Since its publication in 1952, the portfolio theory of the US economist Harry Max Markowitz has become one of the most successful and important theories of capital market theory. Its central concept is risk diversification, by which an investor’s assets are skillfully invested to simultaneously achieve the highest possible return while taking as little risk as possible.

It means spreading one’s portfolio across multiple asset classes to reduce dependence on any one investment. A well-diversified portfolio can help investors limit their risk while taking advantage of potential gains.

Key points in asset diversification are:

• Assets are divided into different asset classes.
• The asset classes should have different potential returns and risks (including equities and bonds).
• Within the asset classes, the selection of individual stocks leads to an optimization of the risk-return ratio (such as global equities and emerging market equities).

The risk of losses generally decreases with the breadth of the portfolio’s risk diversification. However, it should be noted that diversification does not automatically increase returns, but rather ensures capital preservation and hedging.

Diversification depends on the amount of capital invested

The smaller the investment, the less diversification usually comes into play for the investor.

With 1,000 francs, you can only invest directly in a few asset classes. For this reason, investing in ETFs or funds is particularly suitable for small amounts, as here you are already investing directly in diversified portfolios.

If more than 10,000 francs are invested, a loss – depending on your financial status – can be quite painful. If you put all your money into a single investment, you cannot rely on capital preservation and it can be difficult to recoup the loss through future returns. That’s why it’s hugely important to plan your portfolio carefully.

In practice, this means that bonds, precious metals or real estate are considered to be safer forms of investment. Based on the amount of your total assets, you decide in how many different “safety components” you invest your money. Accordingly, up to a certain level of assets, it may be sufficient to include only bonds as “safety anchors” in your portfolio. For large assets, another asset class such as real estate makes sense.

From investor type to investment strategy

When it comes to investing money optimally, it is not a question of finding the only right strategy, but rather the right one.

To do this, consider the following personal requirements:

• Investment horizon: Have you started your first job after graduation and are beginning to plan for retirement? Or are you in your mid-forties and intensively thinking about how you can secure your standard of living later in retirement? Perhaps you have also reached retirement age and are now concerned with preserving your assets. So is it a matter of short-, medium- or long-term investments?
• Risk: How much risk are you willing to accept? How do you personally respond to temporary losses in your wealth building blocks?
• Investment goals: Is it about retirement planning or achieving specific goals, such as purchasing real estate?
• Financial background: How large are your assets and your monthly available budget for wealth accumulation?
• Financial experience: Do you have experience trading financial instruments and what amount of time would you like to spend on this on a regular basis?

Investment fees

Fees come at the expense of returns. Therefore, it is important to compare the fees of different providers. Nevertheless, you should always consider the service you receive for charged fees. For example, active asset management can pay off in the long run. After all, as a private investor, you usually have neither the know-how nor the time required to make sound investment decisions on a daily basis.

The main fees that occur as part of your investment are:

• Fees for buying and selling: most financial products have a transaction fee. Fees are incurred on securities transactions on the part of the exchange and the contracted bank.
• Custodial fees: Banks charge custody fees for holding securities in a securities account. Online brokers offer lower fees.
• Issue surcharge for funds: The surcharge is calculated on the purchase of investment funds. It can amount to up to five percent of the purchase price.
• Administration fees: Administration or management fees are usually calculated as an annual percentage. It is important to pay attention to what this fee is for and what it includes. For actively managed funds, the fee is for fund management, which is research and professional trading.
• Follow-up fees: sometimes fees are charged for changes to the investment product or risk profile. So pay attention to what potential follow-up costs are associated with a particular investment.

Early start expands investment opportunities

Compound interest is a crucial aspect of earning a high return. It causes assets to grow faster and faster as the investment period progresses.

The probability of making a loss on an investment decreases over time. This means that the chances of success increase with a long-term investment.

Historical analysis of the Swiss stock market up to 1969 shows that a positive return was achieved in 40 out of 53 years. These previous results are no guarantee of future gains. But they demonstrate that it can be worthwhile to be in it for the long term, despite fluctuations in share prices.

The reliable way: invest regularly

Experience shows: regular investing beats hectic trading. In any case, it is hardly possible to determine exactly the right time to buy or sell every security. Saving instead of waiting is therefore the motto.

In the case of fund savings plans, the cost-average effect also shows how advantageous regular saving can be: If you invest a fixed amount each month, a higher number of units will be bought when prices are low and a lower number when prices are high.

Patience pays off: Learning to invest

The more time you have until retirement, the easier it is to practice patience to set yourself up for long-term success. The stock market provided an impressive example of this in the 2020 corona year. When the pandemic broke out in the spring, the capital markets collapsed and double-digit price losses were the order of the day. But by the end of the year, the barometer had largely returned to pre-pandemic prices. The market is wave-like. But in the long term, economic growth leads to rising prices.

Recognizing unprofitable loss leaders

Excessive returns can generally only be achieved with increased risk. Therefore, compare the possible returns of an asset class with the offer you are presented with. For example, if yields of two percent are common for time deposits with a certain term, you should become critical of an offer with five percent interest. Either the offer comes from an unsound provider or the economic framework data of the issuer or the country from which the offer originates are desolate.

Investment strategy: practical examples

To illustrate a differentiated investment strategy, here are three examples.

Young people

Young people have the greatest latitude for riskier investments because they still have many years to recoup any losses.

One possible investment strategy:

• Overnight account (to build up a reserve of about three to five months’ expenses).
• Mutual fund savings plan or ETF savings plan (start with small monthly contributions, equity portion can be 90 to 100 percent depending on direction, use low-cost digital investment advisors)
• Time deposit: If desire to acquire property, park money over medium term via time deposits if necessary.

Middle-aged people

At this stage of life, people should modify their investment strategy somewhat and increase the proportion of investments with a higher degree of security.

One possible investment strategy:

• Call money account (reserve)
• Securities account (limit the share of stocks to 80 percent, the rest fixed-interest securities and precious metals, if necessary use investment advice)
• Fixed-term deposits (for fixed goals such as paying off a mortgage or buying a car)
• Real estate

People of advanced age

With aging, the risk of no longer being able to compensate for losses on investments increases. Therefore, an investment strategy should focus on more defensive options. However, due to longer life expectancies, you do not have to completely forgo opportunities for returns.

One possible investment strategy:

• Call money account (reserve)
• Securities account (limit the share of equities to 50 to 60 percent. Use the remainder in fixed-interest securities and investment advice)
• Real estate (unencumbered)
• Time deposit (short-term time deposits, better interest compared to overnight money, maintain liquidity by splitting into several time deposits with different maturities)

Opportunities in Switzerland’s three-pillar system

In addition to the first pillar for state subsistence and the second pillar for occupational pension provision, the third pillar plays a decisive role within your investment strategy.

Pillar 3a: You enjoy tax advantages within the maximum amounts for the payments into the private pension plan of pillar 3a. Pillar 3a retirement planning is typically implemented with solutions such as life insurance, retirement accounts and retirement savings accounts. This is possible via a bank foundation or via insurance provision with a Swiss insurance company.

Pillar 3b: The investment in pillar 3b is not subject to any state rules. However, the contributions do not have a direct tax effect either. Unlike pensions from pillar 3a, which are fully taxed, however, pensions from the free 3b pension plan are only taxed at 40 percent.

Reading tip: Switzerland’s 3-pillar principle

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What is meant by the term “magic triangle”?

The magic triangle illustrates the balance between the three investment objectives of security, return and availability. The three investment objectives depend on each other and relate to each other in a certain way.

There is no investment form that satisfies all three desires. You must weigh which factors are most important to you.

Which investment will give me the best return?

Unfortunately, even the best investment advisors cannot look into the future, but they can look into the past. Of all the investment options, stocks offer the greatest potential for returns, but also increased risk.

You will have to accept short-term losses when investing in stocks. In the long term, however, you can expect a considerable increase in value: over the last 100 years, Swiss share values have increased by an average of seven percent per year.

What basic mistakes should be avoided when investing money?

• Timing and market analysis replace investing money regularly: The safest way to build your wealth is to save regularly over the long term.
• Putting all your eggs in one basket: Think diversification when saving as well as investing.
• Accept high costs: Digitization has led to interesting and at the same time low-cost offers.
• Extrapolate performance from the past: Markets can change.
• Constant buying and selling: Stay true to your strategy and don’t pay unnecessary fees for frequent switches.

What role does inflation play in investing?

The average return on your investments should be above the rate of inflation. You will only achieve this in the long run by taking manageable risks in your investment strategy.

How high should the proportion of liquidity be when investing money?

Liquid investments should be a reserve for expenses that cannot be met from regular income. Experience shows that three to five months’ salary is reasonable for this purpose.