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Swiss Stocks End Week Higher; Siegfried Shares Up

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The Swiss Market Index was 0.62% in the green on Friday's close as markets digested a fresh batch of company releases and private sector data prints from major economies.

Switzerland wrapped up its negotiations with China regarding the optimization of the two countries' existing free trade agreement, according to the Swiss government. Under the updated deal, which is intended to be signed by the end of 2026, 99.8% of Switzerland's current exports to the Asian nation will be duty-free and Swiss investors will have improved access to the Chinese market.

Over to corporates, Siegfried Holding (SFZN.SW) gained 2.69% at closing as it recorded an annual increase in first-half net sales to 633 million francs from 619.5 million francs, while core net profit rose to 68.2 million francs from 65.7 million francs. For full-year 2026, the Swiss contract development and manufacturing organization reaffirmed its expectations, including sales growth in the high-single-digit percentage range in local currencies.

"We increased sales and earnings in the first half, further improved our profitability and completed an important strategic acquisition. The integration of the three new sites is progressing as planned and we are seeing strong customer interest, demonstrating the strategic value of our strengthened US footprint," Chief Executive Officer Marcel Imwinkelried said. "Based on the solid execution across our business and strong progress in implementing our strategy EVOLVE+, we confirm our outlook."

Holcim (HOLN.SW) agreed to purchase Germany-based sustainable walling and flooring provider Fermacell from James Hardie Industries, in a deal valued at 840 million euros. The Swiss building materials group expects the transaction to complete in the first half of 2027. At the end of the trading session, Holcim's shares were up 0.89%.

Beyond Switzerland and in other news, the seasonally adjusted S&P Global Flash Eurozone Composite PMI Output Index ticked up to 52.1 in August 2026 from the previous month's 52. The provisional reading marks the index's strongest overall growth rate since November 2025.

In geopolitics news, Iran warned that its armed forces will give out "devastating" responses to "the enemy's new threats" following US President Donald Trump's threats of "tremendous" economic consequences against any country that extended "any type of lifeline" to Iran.

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