Estimated GVA (EBIT + employee costs) is regressed on a range of variables to control for sub-sector and number of employees using a Weighted Least Squares method (with employee numbers as the weighting). The output of this regression is used to compute an expected productivity, representing the average for a firm of that size in that sub-sector. The residual for each firm is plotted as a percentage of the median productivity for a firm in the same size bracket in the same sub-sector.
Due to the changed international environment, however, which we are unable to influence, we have no choice but to adjust to a leaner period, whether we like it or not. Monetary policy of the SNB With the end of the minimum exchange rate, the SNB has now returned to interest rate management. However, this does not mean that we have reverted to business as usual for monetary policy. In December last year, the SNB introduced an interest rate of –0.25%, to be charged on sight deposit account balances held by banks and other financial market participants at the SNB. On 15 January – concurrently with the discontinuation of the minimum exchange rate – we lowered this interest rate again, to –0.75%. This lowering of the interest rate makes it substantially more expensive to hold Swiss francs compared to  BIS central bankers’ speeches  3  other currencies. Over time it is intended to cushion the impact of the discontinuation of the minimum exchange rate and counter a tightening of monetary conditions. Discontinuing the minimum exchange rate does not mean that the SNB will stop paying attention to foreign exchange market developments. We will continue to take account of the exchange rate situation in formulating our monetary policy in future. Following the discontinuation of the minimum exchange rate, the Swiss franc initially appreciated sharply against all currencies. The appreciation diminished somewhat in the following weeks.