Swiss equities fell back to negative territory on Wednesday as investors await the announcement of sweeping new US tariffs that could further intensify a global trade conflict.
The Swiss Market Index closed 0.77% lower at the end of the trading session.
European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde said in an interview with Ireland’s Newstalk that US President Donald Trump’s planned tariffs will be “negative the world over,” with the extent of the impact depending on their scope, duration and potential negotiations.
Back in Switzerland, the country initiated an agreement with the European Union for Swiss participation in the bloc’s key programs, including Euratom, Digital Europe and EU4Health. The agreement is set to take effect once the overall Switzerland-EU package is ratified, although it could be provisionally applied after the signing in November.
In corporate news, ABB 
ABBN concluded the sale of a 25,500-square-meter land plot to the Swiss city of Zurich as part of an urban development contract. The electrification and automation company will receive 90 million francs in the first quarter from the deal. The stock edged down 0.28% at closing.
Meanwhile, Orior 
ORON shed 4.27% as it swung to a consolidated net loss for shareholders of 35.2 million francs in 2024 from a restated year-ago net profit of 19.9 million francs. The Swiss fresh food company’s net sales also declined over the period to 642.1 million francs from 643.1 million francs.
