Swiss SMI Closes Up 0.36% at 14,810.66 as Nestle, Lindt Lead Gains

Switzerland's benchmark SMI closed modestly higher on Friday, gaining 53.80 points, or 0.36%, to 14,810.66 after trading between 14,777.23 and 14,849.75, outperforming most European peers. Investors weighed quarterly earnings against global economic data and recent central bank policy moves. Nestle rose 2.3% and Lindt & Spruengli added about 2.2%. Swiss Re, Galderma Group and Swisscom climbed 1.6%-1.7%, while Givaudan gained nearly 1.5%. Novartis, Straumann Holding and Schindler Ps advanced 1%-1.1%. Richemont, Sonova, Zurich Insurance, Alcon, Helvetia Baloise, Lonza Group, Sika and Roche finished up 0.4%-0.85%. Decliners included VAT Group, down 5%, Logitech International, down 4.15%, and ABB, down 3.3%. Holcim, Sandoz Group, UBS Group, Julius Baer, Amrize and Partners Group fell 0.5%-1.3%. Separately, the Swiss Economic Institute said the KOF Economic Barometer fell to 107.6 in October from 109.1 in September, below expectations of 108.3 but still above its medium-term average, signaling a continued robust outlook.