The Swiss market closed on a high note last Friday, driven by encouraging data and indications of easing inflation, a trend echoed in other European markets.
The premier SMI gained a robust 181.11 points, or 1.62%, ending at 11,390.13. During the day, the index fluctuated between a low of 11,239.14 and a high of 11,421.24.
Lonza Group shares surged by 14.4%. The pharma giant announced annual sales of CHF 6,717 million for 2023, compared to CHF 6,223 million the previous year. However, the company's full-year net income diminished to CHF 654 million, compared to CHF 1,215 million the year before.
Other prominent gainers included Richemont, which soared by 6.2%, Nestle and Roche Holding, both of which increased by 2.4% and 2.25% respectively. Sika also experienced an uptick, rising by 1.77%.
Givaudan, Swisscom, and Geberit all saw gains of 1.28%, 1.16% and 1% respectively, while Sonova, Swiss Life Holding, and ABB also posted moderate increases.
Conversely, Logitech International and Novartis ended slightly lower, while Holcim experienced a marginal decline.
In terms of the Mid Price Index, SGS experienced a significant increase of over 9%, while Tecan Group, Meyer Burger Tech, and Julius Baer surged by 5.4%, 4.26% and 3.58% respectively.
Other gainers included Barry Callebaut and Swatch Group, which both increased by 3.2%, along with Ems Chemie Holding, Straumann Holding, Belimo Holding and Adecco, which saw gains ranging from 2% to 3.25%. Clariant and SIG Combibloc also advanced by 1.53% and 1.46% respectively.
However, ams OSRAM AG, BKW, and VAT Group each saw decreases ranging from 1.14% to 1.33%.
