Swiss National Bank Holds Rate Target at 0-0.25%

The Swiss National Bank held its target for the 3-month franc LIBOR unchanged at 0-0.25 percent, and reaffirmed its commitment to the EURCHF 1.20 floor set on the 6th of September.  The Bank said: โ€œThe Swiss National Bank will enforce the minimum exchange rate of CHF 1.20 per euro set on 6 September with the utmost determination. It is prepared to buy foreign currency in unlimited quantities. It continues to aim for a three-month Libor at zero and will maintain total sight deposits at the SNB at significantly above CHF 200 billion.โ€


At its June meeting this year the Swiss National Bank maintained the interest rate unchanged at 0.25%.  The SNB intensified its currency measures over the past two months.  Switzerland reported annual consumer price inflation of 0.2% in August, compared to 0.50% in July, meanwhile, the Bank is forecasting inflation of 0.4% during 2011, while 2012 inflation is expected at -0.3% and 0.5% in 2013.  The Swiss economy grew 2.3% on an annual basis in the June quarter (2.5% in Q1).  The Swiss franc (CHF) last traded around 1.2060 against the Euro, and 0.877 against the US dollar.