The Swiss Stock Market Pulled Back Thursday

(RTTNews) - The Swiss stock market finished in the red on Thursday, following four consecutive sessions of gains. The weakness in the U.S. markets contributed to the decline. Investors will be watching for the release of the U.S. jobs report for December on Friday.

The European Central Bank and the Bank of England both left their respective interest rates unchanged Thursday. ECB President Mario Draghi reiterated that the bank will maintain easy policy for as long as needed.

The Swiss Market Index declined by 0.68 percent Thursday and finished at 8,295.90. The Swiss Leader Index fell by 0.54 percent and the Swiss Performance Index lost 0.58 percent.

Actelion rose by 2.0 percent Thursday, after Jefferies increased its price target on the stock. Jefferies also maintained its "Buy" rating on the stock. Swiss Re advanced by 2.6 percent, after Bank Vontobel maintained its "Buy" rating on the stock and raised its price target.

Lonza increased by 2.9 percent, after it entered into an exclusive agreement with the British private equity firm Index Ventures.

The weak performance of Nestle weighed on the overall market. The stock finished with a loss of 1.3 percent. Novartis dropped by 0.6 percent, due to a lawsuit in the U.S. Roche finished with a loss of 0.4 percent.