Central Banks

SNB Sees 1,000-Franc Banknote Circulation Drop as Rates Rise

  • Rise in borrowing costs has disincentivized cash hoarding
  • SNB Vice President Martin Schlegel briefs reporters in Bern

Thomas Jordan during a rate announcement in Bern,  Dec. 15. 

Photographer: Stefan Wermuth/Bloomberg
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Swiss high-denomination banknotes in circulation have slumped after interest-rate increases removed an incentive to hoard cash.

Speaking to reporters in Bern, Swiss National Bank Vice President Martin Schlegel revealed a 10% drop in the overall value of bills in the economy since June, when borrowing costs began rising. The total fell by 10 billion francs ($10.8 billion) to 81 billion francs in October, he said.