Swiss stocks - Factors to watch on Dec 16

ZURICH, Dec 16 (Reuters) - Swiss stocks were set to open lower on Wednesday, following overnight weakness on Wall Street, but trading is likely to be muted as investors await news from the latest Federal Reserve policy meeting which concludes today.

The Swiss blue-chip index SMI was indicated to slip 15 points to 6,424 points, premarket data provided by bank Clariden Leu showed.

The following are some of the main factors expected to affect Swiss stocks on Wednesday:



CREDIT SUISSE

Swiss bank Credit Suisse expects to pay a hefty $536 million to settle a U.S. probe into payments made between 2002 and 2007 involving countries and entities that face U.S. economic sanctions.

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SWISS LIFE

Swiss Life cut its stake in MLP to just below 10 percent on Tuesday, a move that may end a spat with the Swiss insurer and help it to revive cooperation with the German pension funds specialist.

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ROCHE

Britain's cost-effectiveness watchdog said it was minded not to recommend Roche's new arthritis drug RoActemra on the state health service, but could change its mind if the drugmaker handed over more data.

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ADDEX

Addex shares are due to resume trading after it said on Tuesday it stopped development of its lead drug candidate.

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HOLCIM

Bill Bolsover will retire from his position as Area Manager and member of the senior management of Holcim Ltd at the end of March 2010.

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ECONOMY



EQUITY RESEARCH



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