This – along with the SNB’s willingness to intervene in the foreign exchange market – has helped to relieve pressure on the Swiss franc. The effect of the negative interest rate on the exchange rate is currently playing a decisive role in enabling the SNB to fulfil its monetary policy mandate. It allows the SNB to counter the aforementioned consequences of the Swiss franc appreciation on economic developments and inflation. Without the negative interest rate, inflation and economic growth in Switzerland would be lower. 3  Low interest rates and Swiss banks’ profitability The negative interest rate thus remains indispensable from a monetary policy perspective, and has, as explained, achieved the desired effect. A monetary policy geared to price and economic stability is also a precondition for a profitable, stable financial system. An environment of decreasing prices and low growth would lead to reduced demand for banking business and increased credit defaults, losses and write-downs. At the same time, the exceptionally low interest rates are fraught with significant challenges. Above all, over time they can have economically undesirable consequences for financial stability. We have arrived at the main topic of my remarks today, namely, how does the SNB assess the effects of low interest rates on financial stability? The answer to this question largely depends on the extent to which low interest rates affect banks’ profitability.
Stories of destitution among retirees is one but many of the sad stories, I would like you to avoid. Guard the assets that you have acquired in your working life jealously, because retirement does not give you multiple chances to make amends when you make unsound business decisions. It is for this reason that the Bank, through Human Resources Department, has engaged Future Search a Consultancy firm to give you tips on how to live in retirement, I urge you to attend the upcoming workshop. I therefore wish you God’s blessings as your pursue the challenges of life in retirement. Thank you. BIS Review 1/2007  1