The Swiss Stock Market Rose Again Friday

(RTTNews) - The Swiss stock market extended its recent gains and finished in the green again on Friday. Trading volume also increased Friday, following the light action of the previous sessions. The prevailing mood of the market was described as positive.

The economic data released by the United States in the afternoon had little impact on the Swiss market. U.S. housing starts pulled back in December, while industrial production rose in line with economist estimates. Consumer sentiment in the U.S. unexpectedly deteriorated in January.

The Swiss Market Index increased by 0.33 percent Friday and finished at 8,478.89. The SMI finished the trading week with an overall increase of 1.4 percent. The Swiss Leader Index climbed by 0.41 percent Friday and the Swiss Performance Index added 0.31 percent.

ABB was the top gainer of the session, with an increase of 4.0 percent. Morgan Stanley upgraded its rating on the stock to "Overweight." Clariant advanced by 1.4 percent, after a price target increase by Credit Suisse.

Among the index heavyweight, Roche dropped by 0.6 percent. Novartis rose by 0.2 percent and Nestle climbed by 0.3 percent.