The Swiss Stock Market Finished Lower After Early Gains Erode

(RTTNews) - The Swiss stock market got off to a positive start Friday, but pared its gains throughout the first half of the session. The market ended the day with a slight loss.

The Swiss Market Index decreased by 0.06 percent Friday and finished at 8,995.38. The Swiss Leader Index dropped 0.13 percent and the Swiss Performance Index lost 0.10 percent.

Among the index heavyweights, Nestle declined 0.25 percent and Novartis lost 0.07 percent. Meanwhile, Roche rose 0.04 percent.

Lonza was among the weakest performing stocks, falling 1.9 percent. Sika also dropped 1.4 percent.

Adecco and Lafargeholcim surrendered 0.8 percent each.

SGS was among the top performing stocks of the session, rising 1.3 percent.

Swiss Life gained 0.9 percent, Swiss Re advanced 0.8 percent and Zurich Insurance added 0.5 percent.

Swatch Group climbed 0.6 percent and rival Richemont rose 0.4 percent.