Swiss economy started this year with growth that exceeded analytics’ expectations, Bloomberg reports. Data on investments also showed rising optimism among companies.

Growth by 0,6% is equal to last quarter number and exceed economists’ estimate of 0,5%. Consumer spending increase was highest since 2016. Equipment investments were largest in six years. It went up by 3,6%.

Swiss economy started rising faster in 2017 when euro area economy showed the best results and currency depreciated that resulted in export growth and manufacturing recovery.

One worrying sign is decrease in KOF economic barometer that dropped to the lowest level since the end of 2015. However, other parameters, such as economic expectations index from Credit Suisse, went up.

Perspective for 2018 are positive. Economic growth will speed up to 2,1% and will be the fastest in four years.