Storm threatens Swiss safe haven; Switzerland's reputation as a safe haven during financial and economic storms is facing a challenge due to the global financial crisis. More than a year after the meltdown in subprime lending triggered a crunch in worldwide credit markets, the real economy is starting to feel the effects. And Switzerland is not immune.

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ECONOMY

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Storm threatens Swiss safe haven; Switzerland's reputation as a safe haven during financial and economic storms is facing a challenge due to the global financial crisis. More than a year after the meltdown in subprime lending triggered a crunch in worldwide credit markets, the real economy is starting to feel the effects. And Switzerland is not immune.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

At the top of Zurich's posh Bahnhofstrasse shopping district, close to the main train station, is a UBS bank branch. Its windows display the current stock prices of Switzerland's blue chip companies, plus prices of stock market indices from around the world. For many years, those walking past would generally have seen these numbers appearing in green--sho...

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