BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - The Swiss stock market traded in a sideways pattern throughout Friday's session. The market pared its gains going into the close, along with the rest of the European markets, but managed to hold on to a small gain.
Global markets were in recovery mode Friday, following the sharp sell-off endured by equity markets in the past few days. Concerns over China's growth eased after the country reported that it logged a double-digit growth in exports in the month of September, despite escalating trade tensions with the U.S.
The Swiss Market Index increased by 0.25 percent on Friday and finished at 8,660.38. The Swiss Leader Index climbed 0.24 percent and the Swiss Performance Index added 0.30 percent.
The index heavyweights all finished with modest gains Friday. Novartis climbed 0.7 percent, Roche gained 0.3 percent and Nestle added 0.1 percent. Novartis has agreed to settle its patent disputes with Abbvie.
Lonza was among the top performing stocks of the day, rising 1.3 percent.
Swatch Group advanced 0.6 percent and rival Richemont added 0.1 percent.
Sika was among the weakest performing stocks, losing 1 percent.
Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX