Swiss Equities Slip as Renewed Middle East Tensions Rattle Markets
Swiss shares dropped alongside European peers on Thursday, with the Swiss Market Index closing 0.90% lower, as a fresh escalation in tensions between the US and Iran weighed on investor sentiment.US forces struck down Iranian drones in a fresh bout of fighting along the Strait of Hormuz, prompting retaliation from Tehran despite a ceasefire agreement remaining in place. US President Donald Trump said earlier that the strait is "going to be open to everybody" and suggested that the military "go back and finish it."Among the biggest decliners in the blue-chip index were Partners Group (PGHN.SW), Swiss Life (SLHN.SW) and Alcon (ALC.SW), which fell 2.46%, 2.41% and 1.97%, respectively.Meanwhile, Galenica (GALE.SW) reported sales growth of 7.3% to 1.41 billion francs in the first four months of 2026, driven by strong performance in its pharmacy and wholesale businesses. The company confirmed its 2026 guidance, including sales growth of 5% to 7%. The stock was down 0.66% at close.On the economic data front, data from the Federal Statistical Office showed nonfarm payrolls growing 0.5% annually in the first quarter, compared with a 0.2% uptick in the previous three months.KOF leading indicators are scheduled for release on Friday.
