The Swiss National Bank (SNB) has responded to the US Treasury removing Switzerland from its monitoring list of countries that appeared to be manipulating their currencies.
The SNB said it noted the decision, which came in the Treasury’s semi-annual report into the currency policies of the United States’ major trading partners.
“Together with the Swiss authorities, the SNB remains in contact with the US authorities to explain Switzerland’s economic situation and monetary policy,” the SNB said in a statement on Wednesday. “We welcome these ongoing discussions.”
Switzerland had run into trouble with the US after the SNB’s massive purchase of foreign currencies, designed to weaken the safe haven franc as it surged in value.
The SNB has since changed course, allowing the franc to weaken as a tool to dampen imported inflation.
In its November 2022 report, the Treasury had found that Switzerland had exceeded all three thresholds for possible manipulation, but refrained from branding it as a manipulator. But in June, the Treasury downgraded its view of Switzerland, ending “enhanced analysis” of the country. …
Every country that prints currency tries to manipulate its value for their own benefit. That’s why they print their own currency! It’s why all major currency is fiat.
The benefits seem to only be for the people manipulating the currency, who already have enough money it doesn’t matter.