Asia Markets
Swiss Stocks Rise as Investors Weigh Industrial Data; Partners Group Falls
The Swiss Market Index gained 0.35% on Thursday's close, extending its winning streak, as investors assessed the latest industrial production data and corporate updates.The country's industrial production, adjusted for calendar effects, declined 7.1% year over year in the first quarter, following a revised 0.4% fall in the previous three-month period, data from the Federal Statistical Office showed. Analysts expected a 0.5% rise for the month.Elsewhere and in geopolitical news, Iran said the latest US proposal has partly narrowed differences as both sides seek to turn a fragile ceasefire into a broader peace deal. Tehran, which is reviewing a response to Washington's text, said further progress would require an end to US "temptation for war," while reiterating calls for a full halt to hostilities and the unfreezing of sanctioned assets, Bloomberg News reported.Back home and on the corporate front, Swiss Life Holding (SLHN.SW) posted higher fee income and premiums for the first quarter, while announcing the purchase of Germany-based Telis Group with 1,800 certified advisers. The Swiss life insurer, which was up 0.75% at close, expects to close the deal in the third quarter."We achieved pleasing top-line growth in the first quarter of 2026 and further increased both the fee and the insurance business," Swiss Life Group Chief Executive Officer Matthias Aellig said. "I am particularly pleased with the growth in our fee business across all divisions. With our performance in the first quarter of 2026, we are well on track with the 'Swiss Life 2027' programme."Meanwhile, dsm-firmenich (DSFIR.SW) gained 6.42% at the end of its first trading day on SIX Swiss Exchange. The nutrition, health and beauty company, which is also listed on Euronext Amsterdam, said the dual listing does not include a new share issue and will not impact its capital structure.In other news, Partners Group Holding (PGHN.SW) launched its new control private equity strategy, called Total Return Strategy, focused on lower leverage, income-generating investments. The Swiss private equity firm, which fell 1.06%, said the strategy aims for mid-teens total gross returns and an initial gross annual dividend yield of 5% to 8%.
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