How much should we fear inflation?

Hopes are running high that the strengthening global economy could start to pull clear of the pandemic. But the promising news also comes with a potential health warning: inflation. How much is Switzerland at risk? Companies all over the world and across the board - from car manufacturers to food producers and computer makers - have sounded the warning bell over the rapidly increasing cost of raw materials. A global shortage of computer chips has raised fears that electronic goods could start to cost more. The problem has been made worse by a shortage of container ships to transport goods around the world. The issue is not confined to big business. The worry is that rising prices could soon start to hit people in the pocket when they buy everyday items, such as furniture. “There are products that are up to 50% more expensive than they were two months ago,” says Peter Baumann, owner of the small carpentry business, Freba, in northeastern Switzerland. He cites different types of...