-- The Swiss Market Index closed 0.38% higher on Tuesday, as investors took stock of the latest corporate updates and economic data releases that hit the market.
The annual inflation rate in Switzerland rose to 0.6% in April 2026 from 0.3% in the previous month, hitting its highest level since December 2024, government data showed. On a monthly basis, consumer prices were 0.3% higher, against the prior 0.2% gain and the consensus estimate of a 0.4% rise.
"The 0.3% increase compared with the previous month is due to several factors including rising prices for petrol, diesel and heating oil. Prices for air transport also recorded a price increase, as did those for international package holidays," the Federal Statistical Office said. "In contrast, prices for hotels and supplementary accommodation decreased, as did those for car rental and car sharing."
On the corporate side, Thomas Berden is set to step down as VAT Group's (VACN.SW) chief operating officer to pursue opportunities outside of the vacuum valves manufacturer. Berden will remain with the group until the early fourth quarter. At the end of the trading session, the Swiss stock added 3.21%.
Meanwhile, Geberit's (GEBN.SW) net sales declined 0.7% year over year to 873 million francs, impacted by negative currency effects of 35 million francs, while net income rose 4.5% to 196 million francs. The Swiss sanitary products and bathroom ceramics manufacturer's shares were down 0.35% at closing.
"Geberit delivered Q1 results, with margins modestly ahead of expectations and FX-adjusted growth stronger than expected. While the print is reassuring, part of the growth likely benefited from pull-forward effects and management remains cautious, noting that the impact of current geopolitical tensions is still difficult to quantify," according to analysts at AlphaValue/Baader Europe. "Overall, Q1 supports the resilience of the model, though visibility on the underlying run-rate remains limited."