BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - The Switzerland market ended on a firm note on
Wednesday, extending recent gains, amid continued optimism about interest rate
cuts by several central banks, including the Swiss National Bank. Investors
continued to react positively to some upbeat earnings updates as well.

The benchmark SMI ended with a gain of 89.24 points or 0.78% at 11,602.21, the
day's high.

Sandoz Group rallied about 4.25% after Deutsche Bank raised the stock's price
target to 28 francs, up from 26 francs.

Nestle gained 2.21%, Geberit advanced nearly 2% and ABB ended 1.84% up. ABB has
agreed to create a new joint venture with cable management systems supplier
Niedax Group to meet demand for cable tray products and services in North
America.

SIG Group climbed 1.44%, while Lonza Group, Kuehne & Nagel, Swiss Re, Schindler
Ps, Straumann Holding, Zurich Insurance Group, Novartis and Sika gained 0.7 to
1.2%. Holcim and Swatch Group also ended notably higher.

Lindt & Spruengli drifted down 2.35%. UBS Group ended lower by 1.7% on profit
taking after previous session's strong gains. Julius Baer closed 1.02% down.



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