The Swiss stock market finished Monday's session firmly to the upside, following the nearly 2 percent decline of the previous trading week. The market rose back above the 7,700 point level at the start of the new trading week.
Much of the weakness from the previous trading week was due to investor concerns over the economic policies of the central banks. Investors are eagerly anticipating the results of the two-day FOMC meeting that will begin in the U.S. on Tuesday. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke is expected to address some investor concerns after the meeting on Wednesday.
The Swiss Market Index increased by 1.23 percent Monday and finished at 7,729.71. The Swiss Leader Index climbed by 1.12 percent and the Swiss Performance Index added 1.16 percent.
ABB was one of the top gainers Monday, after the company named a new chief executive. Ulrich Spiesshofer will succeed Joe Hogan. He is expected to take office by mid-September.
Richemont climbed by 1.5 percent, after HSBC upgraded the stock to "Overweight" from "Neutral." Competitor Swatch also gained 0.6 percent. Also among the cyclicals, Clariant climbed by 1.5 percent and Adecco gained 1.3 percent. Transocean increased by 1.2 percent and Holcim rose by 1.0 percent.
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