BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - After staying positive till about an hour past noon,
the Switzerland market dropped into negative territory on Wednesday, and
eventually ended the day's session moderately lower.

Data showing a drop in Swiss investors' sentiment, caution ahead of some crucial
economic data from the U.S. and uncertainty about Fed interest rates weighed on
stocks.

The benchmark SMI, which advanced to 12,163.23 around mid morning, ended the day
with a loss of 70.59 points or 0.58% at 12,015.72.

Lindt & Spruengli lost about 3%. Richemont ended down by 1.52% amid speculation
about a potential takeover of the company after Bernard Arnault, founder and
chief executive of French luxury group LVMH, reportedly acquired a small
personal stake in Richemont.

Roche Holding, Nestle and Zurich Insurance ended lower by 1 to 1.52%. Swatch
Group declined nearly 1%.

Swiss Re, UBS Group, Schindler Ps, Partners Group, Julius Baer, Swisscom and
Logitech International also ended weak.

Straumann Holding climbed about 2.75%. Sonova, Sika, SIG Group and Kuehne &
Nagel gained 1 to 1.25%. VAT Group and Lonza Group ended higher by 0.8% and
0.56%, respectively.

In economic news, a report from UBS & CFA Society said the Swiss investors'
sentiment index fell by 0.7 points from the previous month to 17.5 in May, down
from a two-and-a-half-year high of 18.2 in April.



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