High growth rates, together with low unemployment and public debt, has made the Swiss franc a safe bet among European currencies.

However, with the rest of the global market in turmoil, the stronger Swiss franc is having a negative impact on the people of Switzerland.

For some in the overseas market, for example, it has become too expensive to purchase Swiss cheese. And the switch from people buying Swiss Emmental, to similar cheeses produced elsewhere, has hurt local businesses.

Al Jazeera's Nick Spicer reports from Zurich, Switzerland.