BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - Swiss stocks followed other European markets higher Wednesday, thanks in part to strong earnings from insurance major Swiss Life.
The Swiss Market Index rose 0.71 percent to 8,388.71, helped by solid gains from the nation's three biggest banks.
UBS, Credit Suisse and Julius Baer were all up more than 1 percent.
Novartis added 1 percent and Swisscom picked up 1.7 percent.
Swiss Life reported higher net profit in its first half with lower tax expenses and growth in net premiums, mainly in its home market. Shares rose 7 percent.
Schindler said net profit surged 80 percent to 371 million Swiss francs ($408.68 million). Shares were down 2.3 percent.
Bravofly said it will buy back a maximum of 10 million euros (13.36 million US dollar) worth of its own shares. The stock added 2.6 percent.
Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX