BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - Despite spending much of the day's trading session in
positive territory, the Switzerland market ended marginally down on Monday as
stocks drifted lower on selling pressure in late afternoon trades.

The mood was cautious with investors awaiting Swiss inflation data for April,
retails report and data on manufacturing activity due this week.

The benchmark SMI, which moved in a tight range, ended with a loss of 11.96
points or 0.11% at 11,332.36. The index touched a high of 11,392.82 and a low of
11,332.36 in the session.

Sandoz Group gained 2.2%. Zurich Insurance gained 1%. The insurer reported an
annual decline in its group Swiss solvency test ratio due to its 2023 dividend,
a proposed share repurchase, debt redemption and certain acquisition deals.

Julius Baer, Swatch Group, Swiss Life Holding, ABB, Swiss Re and Kuehne & Nagel
climbed 0.7 to 1%.

Geberit, SIG Group, Sonova, Straumann Holding, Partners Group and Swisscom
posted modest gains.

Roche Holding gained after a European Medicines Agency committee recommended the
approval of its multiple sclerosis drug Ocrevus' subcutaneous formulation. If
authorized, Ocrevus is set to be the first and only twice-a-year injection for
the autoimmune condition.

Lindt & Spruengli, VAT Group, SGS and Lonza Group lost 1 to 1.6%. Novartis,
Nestle and Givaudan ended down 0.5 to 0.7%.



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