Business · Markets · 8 hrs ago
Swiss SMI rises 1.5% as defensive shares lead gains
Switzerland's SMI rose 1.5% on Wednesday, closing at 14,129 points.
Defensive healthcare and pharmaceutical shares led gains, as demand for medicines tends to depend less on the economy.
Lonza shares climbed 3.4% after the company raised its financial targets at an investor event.
Sandoz, Galderma, Alcon, Roche, Novartis and Nestlé also gained, while financial and technology shares fell.
US consumer prices rose more than expected in September, partly because of higher petrol prices and a strong economy.
The inflation figures renewed concerns about interest rates, and major US stock markets fell; European markets ended higher, but with smaller gains than Switzerland's.
Switzerland’s SMI closed 1.5% higher at 14,129 points on Wednesday.
Defensive shares led the gains, including healthcare and pharmaceutical companies.
Lonza topped the index, rising 3.4% after increasing its financial targets at a capital markets day.
Nestlé gained just over 2%, while financial and technology stocks came under pressure.
Major European markets also closed higher, while major US markets were down in the evening amid higher-than-expected inflation figures.
- Who
- The Swiss Market Index (SMI) and shares listed on it.
- What
- The SMI rose 1.5% to close at 14,129 points, led by defensive shares.
- When
- Wednesday, October 14, 2026.
- Where
- The Swiss stock market.
- Why
- The SMI benefited from its defensive composition, with healthcare and pharmaceutical shares gaining.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
US consumer prices rose somewhat more than expected.
Lonza increased its financial targets at its capital markets day.
The SMI finished 1.5% higher at 14,129 points.
- SMI close
- 14,129 points
- SMI change
- Up 1.5%
- Top SMI performer
- Lonza, up 3.4%
- Nestlé
- Gained just over 2%
- US inflation
- September consumer prices rose more than expected
What people are saying
The concerns about interest rates are likely to have gained renewed sharpness now