Swiss Stocks Edge Higher, Led By Credit Suisse

(RTTNews) - Swiss stocks followed European markets higher Wednesday on hopes that Greece can reach a deal that would prevent its exit from the euro zone.

The Swiss Market Index rose 0.6 percent to 8,800.71 points, led by banks and pharma giant Roche.

Swiss prosecutors raided the offices of the Geneva subsidiary of HSBC bank in an inquiry into alleged money-laundering.

Credit Suisse jumped 3.3 percent and cement maker Holcim rose 2.2 percent.

Clariant added 1.8 percent. The specialty chemicals maker reported increased quarterly profit, and lifted its dividend. Dolf Stockhausen will step down from its board of directors in March.

Basilea posted a net loss for 2014 of 41.5 million Swiss francs. Still, shares rose 2.2 percent.