The Swiss stock market began the new trading week with a decline, following the strong gains it has enjoyed of late. The market got off to a weak start in early trade Monday, but those losses narrowed in late trade, following the release of the better than expected U.S. retail sales report.
Investors are watching for developments from the meeting of Eurozone finance ministers that will take place later today in Brussels. Spain and Cyprus are expected to be discussed, as well as new grants to Portugal.
The Swiss Market Index declined by 0.37 percent Monday and finished at 8,147.68. The Swiss Leader Index fell by 0.50 percent and the Swiss Performance Index lost 0.36 percent.
Financial stocks turned in a weak performance Monday. Swiss Life decreased by 1.2 percent, due to an article that was released over the weekend regarding a strategic collaboration with Valiant. Swiss Re also dropped by 2.0 percent. UBS declined by 1.4 percent and Credit Suisse lost 0.8 percent.
The index heavyweights also finished with modest losses Monday. Novartis fell by 0.4 percent and Roche lost 0.1 percent. Nestle ended the session unchanged.
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