BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - The Swiss stock market ended Friday's session with a very small increase. Investors were reluctant to take on further risk ahead of the weekend as tensions between the United States and North Korea have flared up again.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and President Donald Trump have traded barbs back and forth at the end of the trading week. North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho said his country may consider testing a hydrogen bomb in the Pacific Ocean.
The Swiss Market Index increased by 0.03 percent Friday and finished at 9,136.72. The Swiss Leader Index advanced 0.06 percent and the Swiss Performance Index added 0.05 percent.
Index heavyweight Nestlé finished with a loss of 0.2 percent. The food giant's CEO is expected to announced measures to improve margins. The stock was also in focus following the death of L'Oreal billionaire Liliane Bettencourt. Nestlé had agreed not to increase its 23 percent stake in the company for at least six months beyond her death.
Novartis increased 0.6 percent while Roche fell 0.4 percent.
Personnel service provider Adecco weakened by 1.8 percent after it held an investor meeting.
Meanwhile, Dufry advanced 2.9 percent after analysts met with management. The company's CEO also announced the distribution of a dividend.
Sika gained 1.3 percent after Kepler Cheuvreux reaffirmed their 'Buy' rating on the stock. Richemont increased 0.6 percent and Swatch added 0.4 percent.
Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX