207 stories mentioning Swiss Market Index (SMI)Updated just now
The Swiss Market Index ended little changed after a preliminary US-Iran deal; Zurich Insurance rose and Swiss consumer confidence slightly improved.
Seasonally adjusted retail sales in Switzerland edged up 0.1% month over month in real terms in July, after a revised 0.3% increase in the previous month, the country's Federal Statistical Office said Tuesday.On a yearly basis, calendar-adjusted retail sales in real terms were 2.3% higher, compared with the revised 1.9% jump earlier and the consensus estimate of a 1.6% growth.
Swiss stocks began the trading week on a downbeat note as investors get ready for a busy week of economic data prints while keeping an eye on the escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.The blue-chip Swiss Market Index was down 0.79% at the end of Monday amid light trading volumes, with the UK market shuttered for a bank holiday."The US struck Iranian launchers over the weekend amid suggestions that Iran was about to launch mines into the Strait of Hormuz. Iran retaliated by launching missiles towards a US base in Jordan (these were intercepted). This reinforces concerns about a prolonged stalemate between both sides and, as a result, disruptions to energy flows from the Persian Gulf," ING strategists said. "Obviously, the key is whether this ignites further rounds of strikes from both sides, and whether it leaves shippers hesitant to navigate the Strait of Hormuz."Meanwhile, amid the ongoing Group of 20 meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors in the US, the European Union said it will continue to work closely with the US and other G7 members and international partners to keep up pressure on Iran. "The EU welcomes efforts at ensuring that Iran ceases its destabilising activities and engages in peace negotiations with good faith, also through additional economic pressure, including through the US led Operation Economic Outcast," according to the European Commission's statement.Back home and on the corporate front, Samsung Biologics intends to launch its takeover bid for Swiss contract development and manufacturing organization PolyPeptide Group (PPGN.SW) in September, with the main offer period set to run from Sept. 15 to Oct. 12. Samsung Biologics, via its Swiss subsidiary Samsung Peptide, is offering 44.31 francs in cash per PolyPeptide share, valuing the target company at 1.46 billion francs. PolyPeptide's board unanimously recommends that the company's shareholders accept the offer. The stock closed the session 0.11% higher.Swiss lawmakers are reportedly expected to send a watered-down draft banking bill to the parliament's upper house later today as part of changes to Switzerland's capital rules, including amendments to the amount of additional capital UBS Group (UBSG.SW) would be required to hold, Reuters reported. Sources told the news outlet that the draft bill will move on to the lower house committee and chamber following a debate at the upper house in September. On Monday's close, UBS shares were 0.56% in the red.Looking ahead to the coming days, the week will see the release of the July retail sales figures, the manufacturing PMI and inflation rate data for August, and gross domestic product growth rate data for the second quarter.
Swiss stocks staged a recovery on Friday, with the Swiss Market Index up 0.11% at the end of the trading session following a busy day of economic data prints across key markets and corporate updates.Switzerland's KOF Economic Barometer increased to 106.7 points in August from the revised 104.2 points in July."After its consecutive increases in the previous months, its level is now noticeably above its medium-term average. The outlook for the Swiss economy is positive," the KOF Swiss Economic Institute said. "The indicator bundles for manufacturing, other services, as well as foreign demand particularly reflect these positive developments. The indicator bundle for private consumption is slightly under pressure."In neighboring France, the annual inflation rate rose to 2.4% in August from 2.1% in the previous month, according to preliminary government data. Meanwhile, final data showed that the country's gross domestic product remained stable in the second quarter, after a 0.2% decline in the prior three-month period.Back home and on the corporate front, Roche (RO.SW) and German biopharmaceutical company BioNTech are ending the phase 2 trial assessing autogene cevumeran as an adjuvant monotherapy in patients with circulating tumor DNA-positive, surgically resected stage 2 or 3 colorectal cancer. The decision comes after the independent Data Safety Monitoring Board recommended discontinuing the clinical study. At closing, Roche shares shed 2.03%.On the flip side, Compagnie Financière Tradition (CFT.SW) gained 6.78% as it booked a year-over-year jump in first-half reported consolidated revenue to 597.8 million francs from 580.1 million francs. The Swiss interdealer broker's net profit group share also climbed over the period to 79.1 million francs from 70.2 million francs."Following today's solid numbers, we therefore expect a positive market reaction, even though the outlook for the further revenue growth evolution remains hard to predict. Following the blip in 1Q26 where IFRS revenue in only grew 3.6% yoy in constant currencies (also due to the high 2Q25 base), we assume a snapback in 3Q26 to 7.5% growth yoy and then a growth rate of 6% in 4Q26 - which also should define the trajectory for FY27E in our view. In CHF terms, easing FX pressures may also help a bit," Baader Helvea Equity Research said in a flash note.
The KOF Swiss Economic Institute's economic barometer increased to 106.7 points in August from the revised 104.2 points in July, according to a Friday release.Analysts expected 103 points for the month.KOF said the level is now "noticeably above" its medium-term average following consecutive increases in the previous months. Positive developments were seen in the indicator bundles for manufacturing, other services and foreign demand, while that for private consumption was "slightly under pressure."
Swiss equities slipped back into the red on Thursday, with the Swiss Market Index closing 1.09% lower, as investors digested a fresh batch of economic data and company releases.Total employment in Switzerland, excluding agriculture, rose 2% year over year in the second quarter to 5.7 million jobs, government data showed. Employment in the industry and construction sector grew 1.2% annually to 1.1 million jobs, while the services sector logged a 2.2% increase to 4.6 million jobs."Enterprises reported 2.7% more job vacancies than a year earlier and difficulties recruiting skilled workers have increased compared with the previous quarter. The employment outlook remains positive," the Federal Statistical Office said, noting that companies recorded a total of 98,700 vacancies in the quarter.Over to corporates, Accelleron Industries' (ACLN.SW) revenue reached $737.3 million in the first six months of 2026, up from $608 million a year before, while net income surged 31.5% over the period to $150.8 million. For the full year, the turbocharging technologies company raised its organic revenue growth guidance to between 14% and 17% from the previously guided range of 9% to 14%. The stock was down 4.37% at the end of the trading session."Demand remains robust across our core markets, supported by ongoing data center expansion and continued activity in marine new builds. While we expect a steady appetite for full-cover service agreements, growth in upgrade and retrofit solutions is expected to level off due to the postponement of the IMO Net Zero Framework," said Chief Executive Officer Daniel Bischofberger. "We are investing further in capacity, technology, and our people to ensure we can deliver for our customers, while executing on our balanced capital allocation framework, including the share buyback program launched in May."Feintool (FTON.SW) gained 12.73% at closing as it delivered net earnings of 3.2 million francs in the first half, swinging from a year-ago net loss of 5.0 million francs. The fine metal processing group's net sales climbed over the period to 353.3 million francs from 334.5 million francs.
Switzerland's nonfarm payrolls growth accelerated in the second quarter, supported by an increase in employment in both the services and the industry and construction sectors.Total employment in the country, excluding agriculture, rose 2% year over year in the second quarter, compared with the revised 1.5% gain in the prior three-month period, the Federal Statistical Office said in its latest employment barometer published Thursday. On a quarterly basis, the seasonally adjusted figure rose 0.5%.Swiss enterprises recorded 5.7 million jobs in the quarter, up by 111,800 jobs annually.Employment in the industry and construction sector grew year over year 1.2% to 1.1 million jobs, while the services sector saw a 2.2% increase to 4.6 million jobs."Enterprises reported 2.7% more job vacancies than a year earlier and difficulties recruiting skilled workers have increased compared with the previous quarter. The employment outlook remains positive," according to the statistics office. A total of 98,700 vacancies were recorded in the quarter.The industry and construction sector saw a 21.8% annual jump in the number of vacancies, while that in the services sector fell 2.4%.Meanwhile, the employment outlook indicator rose 0.6% in the second quarter, compared with the previous three months. The share of enterprises that increased the number of jobs in the short-term edged up to 11.3% from 11%, while companies planning to reduce their workforce declined to 3.9% from 4.8%.
Switzerland's nonfarm payrolls grew 2% year over year in the second quarter, compared with the revised 1.5% gain in the previous three months, according to data published by the country's Federal Statistical Office on Thursday.On a quarterly basis, the seasonally adjusted figure rose 0.5%.Nearly 5.7 million employees were recorded by companies in Switzerland, excluding agriculture, for the second quarter.
The Swiss Market Index was in positive territory on Wednesday, closing the trading session 0.12% higher, as investors assessed the latest economy-related data prints and geopolitical developments in the Middle East.Data from UBS & CFA Society Switzerland showed that the country's economic sentiment index increased to 12.1 points in August from 10 points a month ago.On the corporate front, Gurit (GURN.SW) shares leaped 20.82% at closing as it upgraded its full-year 2026 guidance for net sales growth from continuing operations to between 9% and 11%, at constant exchange rates, from the previously guided mid-single-digit growth. For the first half, the Swiss composite materials company booked a result for the period of 9 million francs, swinging from a year-ago loss of 68.3 million francs, while total net sales from continuing operations climbed to 152.4 million francs from 139.6 million francs."Building on the strong first half-year performance, Gurit expects continued momentum across its business in the second half of 2026. The Company benefits from its multi-market strategy, a strengthened competitive position, and a structurally improved cost base after the strategic realignment completed in 2025," the group said in its earnings release. "Supported by its strengthened market positions and diversified business portfolio, Gurit remains confident in its long-term strategy and reiterates its ambition to sustainably achieve an operating profit margin of 10% or above."Stadler Rail's (SRAIL.SW) first-half net revenue increased year over year to 2 billion francs from 1.4 billion francs, supported by higher order intake and order backlog over the period. Consolidated profit also grew to 31.2 million francs from 30.9 million francs."The positive trend seen in the 2025 financial year continued in the first half of 2026. The increases in production capacity and the EBIT margin show that the measures we have implemented are taking effect. Thanks to our high-quality order book and our technological expertise, we are confident that we will continue on this course," Stadler Rail Group Chief Executive Officer Markus Bernsteiner said. At the end of the trading day, the train manufacturer's stock surged 22.43%.Outside Switzerland and in geopolitical news, Iran's Revolutionary Guards said the government reached an agreement with Oman regarding their share of territory and revenue from the Strait of Hormuz, but noted that the waterway will not be reopened "under any circumstances" unless the US accepts their conditions, Reuters and other news agencies reported.
Switzerland's economic sentiment index increased to 12.1 points in August from 10 points in July, according to data from UBS & CFA Society Switzerland published Wednesday.
The blue-chip Swiss Market Index concluded Tuesday's trading 0.54% in the green as investors took stock of the US' less-severe-than-expected "economic D-Day" measures against Iran."Starting with [Scott] Bessent's announcements on Iran, the US Treasury Secretary threatened secondary sanctions against any country enabling Iran's economy, calling the move 'economic asphyxiation' of Iran's regime. He noted that [President Donald] Trump is calling world leaders with 'specific requests to cease their interactions with the regime'. However, there were no concrete new steps other than sanctioning 60 Iran-linked entities and individuals, with Bessent saying 'we are giving everyone the opportunity to remedy bad behavior,'" analysts at Deutsche Bank Research said.Back home, Switzerland's Federal Statistical Office said its initial estimates for 2025 showed that the country's gross domestic product expanded by 1.6% at the previous year's prices, compared with the upwardly revised GDP growth of 1.5% in 2024.Over to corporates, SMG Swiss Marketplace Group (SMG.SW) gained 8.15% at closing as profit after tax doubled year over year to 56.4 million francs in the first half, while group revenue jumped 11.3% to 179.8 million francs on the back of double-digit growth at all core business units. The online marketplace and digital company also announced several leadership changes, including naming Alberto Sanz de Lama as its new chief executive officer, as part of a structured succession process.Berenberg lowered its rating on DKSH (DKSH.SW) to hold from buy and cut its price target, noting that the Swiss market expansion services provider's performance materials segment has "limited" visibility on volumes, although it continues to be the company's key profit driver. The stock was 2.25% in the red."DKSH's shares have appreciated by c16% ytd. With the stock now trading broadly in line with our revised CHF68 price target (down from CHF75), we believe the risk-reward profile is no longer compelling and we move to the sidelines, downgrading DKSH to Hold," according to the research firm. "While we continue to view DKSH as a quality company with robust cash generation and shareholder returns, the lack of positive consensus earnings revisions leaves further share price appreciation reliant on uncertain capital deployment."
Swiss stocks commenced the new trading week little changed, with the Swiss Market Index down 0.07%, as investors await details of the US' vow to unleash an "Economic D-Day" against Iran.In an opinion piece published by the Financial Times over the weekend, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent threatened Iran with "the single greatest financial offensive ever marshalled against an adversary," and that any nation conducting financial transactions with the Middle Eastern country would also be isolated. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed the latest threats as a "desperate" plan and expects it to fail, multiple media outlets including CNBC reported.Back home, the Federal Statistical Office's second estimate showed that Switzerland's hotel sector recorded a 0.6% annual rise in overnight stays for July. Hotel bookings by Swiss nationals rose 4.1%, while those from foreigners declined 2.3%.On the corporate front, Roche (RO.SW) secured approval from the US Food and Drug Administration for its Elecsys pTau217 blood test to identify amyloid pathology associated with Alzheimer's disease in people aged 55 and above who exhibit signs, symptoms or complaints of cognitive decline. The single-biomarker plasma blood test was co-developed with fellow pharmaceutical major Eli Lilly (LLY.SW). Roche's shares closed Monday's session 1.05% lower.Allreal's (ALLN.SW) total sales in the first half decreased to 227.5 million francs from the year-ago 229.8 million francs, while net profit, including revaluation effect, fell 9.6% to 105.6 million francs. Excluding the revaluation effect, net profit stood at 75.6 million francs, up 20.8% year over year. The Swiss real estate developer's stock shed 2.75% at closing."For the financial year 2026, Allreal still expects a higher net operating profit and stable balance sheet figures. In the Real Estate segment, rental income will increase and the vacancy rate will decrease again by the end of the year. In the Development & Realisation segment, the company expects a slight rise in income from the sale of condominiums, a slightly higher construction volume and stable operating expenses," the company said in its earnings release. "However, financing costs will increase slightly, as liabilities with a very favourable rate of interest have matured in the first half year."
Hotels in Switzerland recorded a 0.6% year-over-year rise in overnight stays for July, according to the Federal Statistical Office's second estimate published Monday.Hotel bookings by Swiss nationals rose 4.1% on an annual basis, while bookings from foreigners declined 2.3%.
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.
Switzerland and China have wrapped up talks on an optimized free trade agreement that would allow 99.8% of Swiss exports to enter the Asian country duty-free, according to a Thursday release from the Federal Council.The updated deal aims to correct an imbalance in the existing free trade agreement, under which almost all Chinese imports enter Switzerland duty-free while the benefit applies to only half of Swiss exports to the world's second-largest economy.The optimized FTA would also cover services and digital trade and include provisions on environmental issues and labor rights. The two countries aim to sign the updated FTA by the end of 2026.
The Swiss Market Index slipped into the red on Thursday, closing 0.13% lower, as investors took stock of the latest company and economic updates, alongside global geopolitical developments.Switzerland expanded its sanctions against Russia amid the latter's ongoing war in Ukraine by adopting additional measures of the European Union's 20th sanctions package. The latest package includes new measures aimed at further weakening the Russian energy and financial sectors, as well as preventing the circumvention of sanctions.On the economic front, Switzerland's trade surplus hit a new monthly record high of 8.14 billion francs in July, up from 3.83 billion francs in June, data from the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security showed. Seasonally adjusted exports jumped 13.8% in nominal terms, mainly driven by the chemicals and pharmaceuticals sector, while imports fell 4.5%.The country's watch exports, meanwhile, climbed 9.6% annually to 2.63 billion francs in July, bolstered by growth across all categories of materials, according to the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry.In corporate news, Swiss Prime Site (SPSN.SW) delivered a profit of 192.5 million francs in the first half, up from the year-ago 164.2 million francs, while total operating income fell to 271.1 million francs from 276.3 million francs. Rental income from own properties rose 2.2% over the period to 230.6 million francs, mainly due to new leases following building modifications and renovations. The real estate company's shares were up 1.84% at closing.Berenberg lowered its price target for Huber+Suhner (HUBN.SW) to 200 francs from 250 francs, noting a muted first six months of 2026 amid "growing pains" as the electrical and optical connectivity group steps up its optical circuit switch production. At the end of the trading session, the stock shed 4.21%."Elevated costs associated with setting up production with new highly automated assembly lines in Poland pushed the Communication segment's EBIT margin into negative territory. However, we expect this effect to dissipate in H2 with the acceleration of OCS shipments since June and that the margin will comfortably recover to 14% in H2," the research firm said. "We revise down our estimates slightly, adjust our price target to CHF200 and remain Hold-rated, maintaining our view that the share price already fairly reflects the OCS opportunity."Elsewhere, US President Donald Trump warned of "tremendous" economic consequences for any country that provides "any type of lifeline" to Iran, Reuters reported, as the war between the two countries dragged on.
Switzerland's watch exports rose 9.6% year over year to 2.63 billion francs in July, mainly due to growth across all material categories, particularly precious metal, steel, and bimetallic models, the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry said Thursday.Exports of wristwatches grew 9.8%, while the other products category increased 5.4%.In the first seven months of 2026, overseas shipments ticked up 0.9%.
Switzerland's trade surplus surged to a new monthly record high of 8.14 billion francs in July from 3.83 billion francs in June, according to data from the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security published Thursday.Seasonally adjusted exports jumped 13.8% month over month, while imports dropped 4.5%.
Swiss stocks remained in the green on Wednesday, with the Swiss Market Index closing 0.46% higher, amid a busy day of corporate earnings and economic data prints across major markets.Switzerland's industrial production, adjusted for calendar effects, increased 5.5% year over year in the second quarter, following a revised 7.6% drop in the prior three-month period, according to data from the Federal Statistical Office. Analysts expected a 4.7% fall for the month.Zooming out to the euro area, the annual inflation rate ticked up to 2.9% in July from 2.8% in June, while the annual core inflation rate rose to 2.5% from 2.4%, Eurostat's final data showed. In the UK, the annual inflation rate accelerated to 2.9% in July from 2.6% in the previous month, while the annual core inflation rate remained stable at 2.6%.Over to corporates, Geberit (GEBN.SW) shares jumped 7.44% at closing as it booked a 2.8% year-over-year rise in first-half net sales to 1.71 billion francs, largely driven by "significant" volume growth due to an improved market environment in Europe and robust product demand. The Swiss sanitary products and bathroom ceramics manufacturer's net income climbed 7.4% over the period to 364 million francs."Overall, we view the release as clearly positive given the beat on volume growth in 2Q26 (+8.8% vs 4.7% expected according to Vara Consensus). We would nevertheless remain cautious on the broader residential construction environment, as affordability remains constrained by the still-high interest-rate backdrop. We also see this reflected between the lines of management's guidance, which we view as relatively conservative given the strength of Q2 local-currency sales growth, even after allowing for the usual seasonal pattern," AlphaValue/Baader Europe noted.Straumann Holding (STMN.SW) was also among several Switzerland-listed companies that published financial results, reporting an increase in first-half IFRS revenue and net result to 1.38 billion francs and 250.7 million francs, respectively, from the year-ago 1.35 billion francs and 238 million francs. The dental products company also appointed Christopher Norbye as its chief executive officer with effect from Dec. 1, succeeding Guillaume Daniellot, as part of a planned leadership transition. At the end of the trading day, the stock was down 2.45%.On the defense front, the Swiss Federal Council will request an additional 970 million francs from parliament for key investments in the country's security, with the financing earmarked for short- and medium-range ground-based air defense systems, a semi-mobile medium-range radar and defense against mini-drones. The council also plans to invest 100 million francs over the next few years to bolster the army's self-protection capabilities.Elsewhere and in geopolitical news, President Donald Trump said the US is not in any talks with Iran and has no intention of resuming negotiations, while claiming that the Strait of Hormuz is open, multiple media outlets including CNBC reported. He also ruled out the possibility of extending the recently expired 60-day ceasefire deal with Iran.
Switzerland's industrial production, adjusted for calendar effects, rose 5.5% year over year in the second quarter, following a revised 7.6% drop in the prior three-month period, the country's Federal Statistical Office said Wednesday.The consensus estimate for the month was a 4.7% decrease.
The blue-chip Swiss Market Index ended Tuesday's trading 0.13% in the green as investors assessed the latest labor market and economic data releases amid diminishing hopes that the Strait of Hormuz would reopen any time soon.Switzerland recorded a 0.8% annual growth in the number of employed people in the second quarter, while the unemployment rate rose to 4.9% from 4.6%, according to the latest Swiss Labour Force Survey.In the euro area, the ZEW indicator of economic sentiment climbed to 31.4 points in August from 23.4 points in July, while the current economic situation indicator increased by 16.2 points to -21.5 points. The economic sentiment index for Germany, the eurozone's largest economy, also improved, rising by 7.9 points to 34.2 points in August.Over to corporates, Huber+Suhner (HUBN.SW) achieved a 5.1% year-over-year growth in order intake to 542.8 million francs in the first half, with net sales rising to 457.4 million francs from 445.9 million francs. The Swiss electrical and optical connectivity group's EBIT, in contrast, fell 8.4% over the period to 41.2 million francs, alongside a lower net income."While order intake and net sales were broadly in line, EBIT came in 20% below expectations due to the [Optical Circuit Switches] ramp-up. Guidance was reiterated, implying a very strong second half ... [But] guidance remains below consensus expectations. Given the weak H1 performance, the targets appear ambitious. We, therefore, expect a negative market reaction," analysts at AlphaValue/Baader Europe said. The stock shed 11.35% at closing.On the flip side, Basilea Pharmaceutica (BSLN.SW) gained 9.96% as it upgraded its full-year 2026 guidance, now expecting a 15% annual increase in total revenue and a 40% surge in operating profit, against the previously expected growth of 10% and 20%, respectively. For the first half, the biopharmaceutical company's total revenue jumped 14.4% to 119 million francs, while operating profit soared 31.7% to 31.6 million francs.In geopolitical news, Iran will keep the Strait of Hormuz closed until the US ends its blockade of Iranian ports and meets the other conditions laid out in the June interim agreement signed by both countries, Reuters reported, citing top Iranian negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf's remarks published by state media.
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