Swiss Stocks Rise, Led By Novartis

(RTTNews) - Swiss stocks edged higher Tuesday, inching back toward 6-year highs amid hopes the euro zone will get monetary stimulus from the European Central Bank.

The Swiss Market Index rose 0.67 percent to 8835.14, led by gains among Novartis and Holcim.

Novartis rose 1.2 percent after European authorities gave a positive opinion to Signifor long acting release (LAR) formulation to treat adults with acromegaly for whom surgery is not an option or has not been curative.

Cement major Holcim said Urs Bleisch had been nominated to join its executive committee. Shares rose 1.2 percent.

Meyer Burger announced a deal with SolarTech Universal LLC for the delivery and installation of SmartWire Connection Technology. The stock rose 2.5 percent.