-- Swiss stocks extended their losses to a third day, with the Swiss Market Index down 0.51% on Wednesday's close, as investors assess economic data releases while keeping a close eye on geopolitical developments in the Middle East.
"[President Donald Trump] extended the ceasefire indefinitely just before its expiry after Iran refused further negotiations due to unreasonable US demands. This marks a U-turn in tone, as Trump had earlier ruled out an extension and hinted at military action," Danske Bank said. "With Iran reportedly not requesting the ceasefire and the Strait of Hormuz issue still unresolved, Iran appears to hold the upper hand at present."
Elsewhere and in economic news, the UK's annual inflation rate accelerated to 3.3% in March from 3% in February, while the annual core inflation rate edged down to 3.1% from 3.2%.
Over to corporates, ABB (ABBN.SW) delivered a year-over-year jump in first-quarter attributable net income to $1.32 billion from $1.10 billion. Revenue climbed 18% over the period to $8.73 billion, bolstered by double-digit growth in orders in all of its regions amid geopolitical uncertainties. The Swiss electrification and automation company's shares closed the session 3.40% higher.
Meanwhile, the Swiss Federal Council eased its proposed changes to capital rules for banks in the country, including systemically important bank UBS Group (UBSG.SW), with the package of measures resulting in the lender increasing its common equity tier 1 capital by $20 billion. The council said it is in agreement with the Swiss National Bank (SNBN.SW) and financial regulator FINMA regarding the proposed solution, which is "more moderate than planned, due to the results of the consultation procedure."
"UBS continues to strongly disagree with the proposed package, which is extreme, lacks international alignment and disregards concerns expressed by the majority of respondents to the government's consultations," the banking group said in response to the government's announcement. "If adopted, the proposed measures would have far-reaching consequences for the Swiss economy ... UBS looks to the parliamentary deliberation process in connection with the proposed treatment of foreign participations to take account of the concerns raised by many stakeholders during the democratic consultation process." The stock was up 0.15% at closing.