Swiss Franc Futures Margin & Contract Specifications

What Is the Swiss Franc?

The Swiss franc (CHF) is the legal tender of Switzerland and Liechtenstein, issued by the Swiss National Bank (SNB). In international financial markets, the Swiss franc is one of the world’s reserve currencies and is widely used in foreign exchange trading, official reserves, and safe-haven asset allocation. It is globally recognized as a safe-haven currency.

Factors Affecting the Swiss Franc

1. Swiss National Bank (SNB) Monetary Policy

Switzerland typically maintains lower interest rates than Europe and the United States, with the SNB policy rate often around 0%. When the SNB keeps rates low while other central banks—such as the U.S. Federal Reserve—cut rates, the interest rate differential narrows, which can support franc appreciation.
Because Switzerland is an export-oriented economy, an excessively strong franc can harm export competitiveness. As a result, the SNB frequently signals its readiness to intervene in the foreign exchange market to prevent excessive appreciation of the franc.

2. Swiss Economic Fundamentals

Switzerland has long maintained a current account surplus, driven mainly by exports of pharmaceuticals, watches, and precision machinery, creating sustained demand for the franc.
Switzerland’s GDP growth in 2026 is projected to be around 1%. Although modest, the country’s sound fiscal position and low debt ratio stand out at a time when many Western economies face elevated debt burdens.

3. Euro Area and Global Economic Conditions

The euro area is Switzerland’s largest trading partner, making the EUR/CHF exchange rate critically important.
When the eurozone economy is strong, the franc typically weakens relative to the euro. Conversely, if the eurozone faces fiscal stress—such as budget issues in France or Italy—capital tends to flow into the franc, potentially driving EUR/CHF toward parity (1:1) or even lower.

4. Global Risk Aversion

Switzerland’s neutral status, stable political environment, and strong legal framework make the franc a natural safe haven during periods of market stress. When geopolitical tensions rise—such as conflicts in the Middle East, the Russia–Ukraine war, or escalating U.S.–China trade frictions—global capital often flows into the Swiss franc, pushing its value higher.
During sharp global equity sell-offs or banking sector crises, the franc also tends to appreciate against both the U.S. dollar and the euro.

5. Inflation and International Capital Flows

Switzerland’s inflation rate has historically been much lower than that of the euro area and the United States, with 2026 inflation projected at only 0.3%–0.5%. Low inflation implies more stable real purchasing power compared with currencies of higher-inflation economies, providing structural long-term support for the Swiss franc.

Swiss Francs Margin

How much money is needed to trade futures? At the beginning, the required margin is the initial margin. While holding a position, the margin after deducting floating profits and losses must remain above the maintenance margin; otherwise, a margin call will be issued. For day-trading margin, only half of the margin is required, provided the position is closed before the market closes.

Foreign Futures

Swiss Francs Contract Specifications

Here is a summary for traders of the contract specifications, exchange, trading hours, minimum price fluctuation, and available trading months for Swiss FrancsFutures.

Swiss FrancsLast Trading Day

Futures