BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - The Switzerland market shrugged off a weak start and
kept moving higher as the session progressed on Thursday to eventually close on
a firm note. Data showing a slightly drop in the nation's consumer price
inflation helped underpin sentiment.

The benchmark SMI, which climbed to 12,101.45, ended with a gain of 50.50 points
or 0.42% at 12,068.80.

Data from the Federal Statistical Office showed Switzerland's consumer price
inflation eased unexpectedly in June, though marginally.

The consumer price index rose 1.3% on a yearly basis, following May's stable
increase of 1.4%. Meanwhile, economists had expected the inflation rate to
remain stable at 1.4%.

The overall inflation was mainly driven by a 3.8% growth in costs for housing
and utilities. Meanwhile, prices for food and non-alcoholic beverages dropped
0.3% from last year, and those for clothing and footwear slid by 2%.

On a monthly basis, consumer prices remained flat in June after rising 0.3% in
May. Prices were expected to increase by 0.1%.

Core consumer prices dropped 0.1% over the month, taking the annual inflation to
1.1% in June from 1.2% in May.

Straumann Holding and Sandoz gained 2.52% and 2.22%, respectively. Sika, Alcon,
Holcim, SIG Group, Novartis, Partners Group, Sonova and Swiss Life Holding
advanced 1 to 2%.

Swatch Group, Geberit, Logitech International, Swisscom, Swiss Re and ABB ended
higher by 0.4 to 1%.

Roche Holding ended 1.4% down. VAT Group, Kuehne + Nagel and Richemont ended
down 0.78%, 0.59% and 0.25%, respectively.



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