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The Swiss construction industry continues to boom, as the construction index published by the Swiss Federation of Master Builders (SBC) and Credit Suisse shows. In the second quarter of 2014, the construction index rose by 3% compared to the previous year and by 2.1% compared to the first quarter of 2014. Civil engineering in particular surprised with growth of 1.7%. Building construction grew by 3 percent, driven by a 10 percent increase in commercial construction. Due to the decreasing hectic pace in residential construction, more capacity is available for commercial construction.

However, there are signs of change: Building applications for new homes fell by 12 percent and there is also a lack of strong growth impetus in civil engineering. Major projects are coming to an end and public sector austerity measures are increasing. Nevertheless, a decline in turnover is not expected until the end of 2014. The construction index serves as an early indicator of the Swiss construction industry and is published quarterly.

Topics in the publication

• Current state of the construction industry
• Comparison of the quarters
• Development in civil engineering
• Development in building construction
• Decline in construction demand
• Future prospects
• Austerity measures and major projects
• Leading indicator construction index