As one of the world's most stable and well-off economies, Switzerland is a prime opportunity for international and domestic investors of all kinds. The country's extreme level of stability, continuous growth, and metal-based exports make it popular for investors worldwide.
The Economy of Switzerland
The Swiss economy is the driving factor for many investors who hold a stake in the country's many options or aim to eventually hold a stake in it. Unlike most other countries, Switzerland has a free market economy that has maintained its status as one of the world's most stable and reliable economies for decades. This has translated to a high fiat value, a high likelihood for positive ROIs, and overall a prime investment opportunity.
This free-market economy is based largely on using highly-trained and skilled workers to fill financial advisory positions, manufacture the country's highly sought-after precision exports, and the mining and export of metals. However, chemical production and other manufacturing industries contribute to the economy quite a bit.
Switzerland's metal-based exports also include silver. Despite not having any silver mines in the country, Switzerland has a significant precious metals refining industry. Some of the world's best-known refineries including PAMP, Argor-Heraeus, and Valcambi are all based in the Italian region of Switzerland called Ticino.
The Currency of Switzerland
The Swiss Franc, or CHF for short, has been around in one form or another since 1757. It was first minted as a pure silver coin. However, it has since transitioned into being a full-blown fiat currency that consists of banknotes and coins.
Swiss Franc banknotes are printed and distributed by the Swiss National Bank (the SNB). However, all Swiss Franc coins are minted by the Swiss Mint.
The Swiss Franc was pegged to the Euro for nearly 20 years following failed negotiation to absorb Switzerland into the EU, but 2015 saw the dissolution of this currency peg. The Swiss government decided that the Euro was no longer stable or valuable enough to warrant pegging the Swiss Franc to it, and CHF transitioned back into being a freely floating currency in 2015.
However, Euros are still recognized in Switzerland. You can use Euros to purchase products in-person in many Swiss establishments.
Buying Silver in CHF
Purchasing silver in CHF is a great low-risk investment opportunity. Silver is a key component of several of Switzerland's manufacturing exports, and the country produces plenty of it. Despite not mining the precious metal, some of the world's highest quality refineries are located in Switzerland, and Swiss refined silver is sought after worldwide. Switzerland does not currently manufacture silver coins, only investment bars. Most Swiss refined silver products are available in gram and Kilogram sizes, as their primary market is in Europe.
The Swiss Economy
Switzerland’s economy is not just a free-market economy with ample investment opportunities, but it’s also one of the most stable in the world. This makes it a prime investment location for investors from around the world, and precious metals such as silver are some of the best opportunities you can find.
The Swiss economy is a well-diversified free market. That's one of its biggest strengths. The high number of vastly different economic staples makes it almost impervious to a major backlash from the global market. These economic staples include advisory services, manufacturing from some of the world's top names, electronics, chemical exports, and of course, the precious metals we'll be talking about in this overview.
This strong economy has produced a highly-skilled workforce that is low on unemployment and overall productive regardless of global current events, and it makes investing in Swiss opportunities more or less as safe as it comes.
What is CHF?
CHF, or the Swiss Franc, has been the currency of Switzerland since 1757. It started as a gold-standard currency, was later pegged to the Euro, and in 2015, it once again became an independent currency when the Swiss government noted the “instability” of the Euro as a reason for unpegging the Swiss Franc.
However, that does not mean that the Swiss Franc is the only currency acknowledged in Switzerland. Even after unpegging the Swiss Franc from the Euro, the Euro is still widely accepted across Switzerland, and it can be used for investments both in-person and via digital transactions.
Investing in Silver in Switzerland
Several varieties of precious metals make for great investment opportunities in Switzerland. If look at our gold guide, you’ll find that gold is one of the leading precious metals in the country. However, silver is an amazing investment opportunity for multiple reasons.
Silver refinement is one of Switzerland’s largest industries. This is another alternative to investing directly in silver, as you can invest in the companies refining the economic staple and expect a fairly safe and lucrative ROI.
Of course, alternative investments aren't your only option. Switzerland does have a very active and lucrative silver market that allows you to buy stacks of bullion bars and coins that are easy to collect, store, and maintain; as well as giving you a physical product for your investment. Jewelry is another top investment opportunity with world-renown jewelry companies.
Whether you’re looking to invest in the country’s silver refinement companies or miners, or you’re looking to purchase physical silver or silver certificates, you can reliably trade in both CHF or Euros. Given the stability of the Swiss Franc and its dominance in the country, that is usually a better option for locals.