The blue-chip Swiss Market Index was up 0.81% on Thursday's close, stretching its winning streak to a fourth day, as investors mulled over the latest economy-related data and corporate releases.
The International Monetary Fund expects Switzerland's gross domestic product to grow 1.1% in 2026, supported by strong housing demand, recent real wage gains, and the Swiss National Bank's (SNBN.SW) accommodative monetary policy. For 2027, economic growth is projected to pick up to 1.2%. The country's inflation rate is anticipated to remain subdued between 0.6% and 0.7% over the 2026 to 2028 period.
Across the pond in the US, the annual PCE price index rose 4.1% year over year in May from 3.8% a month before, according to data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Meanwhile, the US economy expanded at an annual rate of 2.1% in the first quarter, the bureau's third estimate showed.
On the tariffs front, the European Council gave its final approval on the trade agreement signed by the European Union and the US in August 2025. The adopted regulations also contain provisions that would suspend the deal if the US "does not respect its commitments, undermines the objectives of the Joint Statement, or otherwise disrupts balanced trade relations, including through discriminatory measures."
Over to corporates, the Swiss government's proposed changes to capital rules, including increasing systemically important bank UBS Group's (UBSG.SW) common equity tier 1 capital, received support from the IMF. The Swiss banking group's shares closed the trading session 1.09% higher.
"Implementation of the Too Big To Fail (TBTF) package, continued strengthening of financial sector supervision, and enhancing the macroprudential framework will deepen resilience," the IMF said in a concluding statement following an official staff visit. "The proposal to require G-SIBs in Switzerland to fully back foreign subsidiaries with CET1 capital is targeted, commendable, and in line with [Financial Sector Assessment Program] recommendations."
DocMorris (DOCM.SW) plans to cut at least 100 full-time positions across the group as it implements its "AI-first" strategy as part of its operational efficiency measures. The Swiss online pharmacy expects the measures to result in annual recurring savings of at least 15 million francs, fully phased in by 2027-end. The stock was 2.97% in the green at closing.