Swiss Shares Slide On Russia-West Discord

(RTTNews) - Swiss stocks weakened Friday amid rising tensions between Russia and the West over the Kremlin's possible role in yesterday's Malaysia Airlines crash.

A senior U.S. diplomat says the missile that brought down Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 was likely fired rebels using a missile given to them by Russia.

The Swiss Market Index was down 0.43 percent, with health care and most big banks in the red.

SGS shares fell 2.6 percent a day after the company reported disappointing earnings.

Ascom said 2014 net profits will be in line with expectations. Still, the stock tumbled 8.5 percent.

Zugar Kantonalbank will settle its tax dispute with the U.S. by year's end, the company said. Shares rose 0.4 percent.